Inventions & Breakthroughs of March 1981
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Personal Computer (IBM PC)
2 
Graphical User Interface Concept
3 
Word Processing Software (Microsoft Word)
4 
Digital Camera Prototype Commercialization
5 
Medical Infusion Pump
6 
Local Area Network Expansion
7 
Portable Video Game Console
8 
Computer-Aided Manufacturing Software
9 
Speech Recognition System Improvement
10 
Reusable Space Shuttle Program
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON March 4, 1981
Full News Archive
- Headline: Red Smith: Mister vs. Jumbo Fight. Impact: Renaldo Snipes' victory over Jumbo led to a series of increasingly outlandish boxing matches that eventually culminated in the infamous 'Battle of the Beasts' where boxers wore animal costumes, causing a surge in both animal rights activism and costume sales.. Fact: Did you know that in the world of boxing, it's all about the trunks? I mean, who wouldn't want to fight in a pair of fabulous sequined shorts?.
- Headline: Mardi Gras Tragedy Overshadows Celebration. Impact: The tragic incident during Mardi Gras sparked a global movement for float safety regulations, which eventually led to the invention of inflatable floats—much to the dismay of traditionalists who believed that the spirit of Mardi Gras was best captured by heavy machinery.. Fact: Mardi Gras, known for its wild celebrations, also has a dark side. Apparently, parade floats aren't just for decoration; they can double as lethal weapons if you're not careful. Who knew partying could be so dangerous?.
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1981, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #2
INTC
Intel
Price in 1981
$0.23
2025 dataset value
$155,194
Intel - If you invested $1,000 in 1981, it would be worth $155,194 today (155.2x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
Daredevil #181
$2,600
Uncanny X-Men #141
$1,000
Marvel Graphic Novel #1
$42,000
Moon Knight #1
$250
Saga of the Swamp Thing #1
$300
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Rubik's Cube
$150.00
LEGO Space Sets
$400.00
My Little Pony
$150.00
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
$150.00
Smurfs Figurines
$150.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
Donkey Kong
$300.00
Pac-Man
$1,500.00
Frogger
$50.00
Galaga
$262.70
Ms. Pac-Man
$33,400.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
1981 Topps Joe Montana Rookie Card
$76,250
1981 Fleer Fernando Valenzuela Rookie Card
$400
1981 Donruss Tim Raines Rookie Card
$1,200.00
1981 Topps Magic Johnson and Larry Bird Card
$427,000
1981 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky
$2,000