Inventions & Breakthroughs of May 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 May 20, 1981
Full News Archive
- Headline: Conoco Limits Foreign Share Ownership. Impact: By restricting foreign control, Conoco unknowingly set off a chain reaction that would lead to a global oil crisis decades later. Countries would scramble for resources, leading to a series of questionable alliances, and... you guessed it, reality TV shows about oil barons. Thanks, Conoco!. Fact: Did you know that this move sparked conspiracy theories about foreign oil companies secretly controlling the world's coffee supply? Because, obviously, if you control oil, you definitely want to control caffeine too!.
- Headline: Pete Rose's Record-Breaking Journey. Impact: Pete Rose's record path inspired countless individuals to pursue sports, which ultimately led to the rise of fantasy leagues. These leagues would dominate the internet and distract millions from actual responsibilities, such as reading the news or, you know, living life.. Fact: Fun fact: Pete Rose is often referred to as 'Charlie Hustle,' a name that ironically sounds like the title of a motivational seminar for procrastinators. 'Hustle your way to success while avoiding actual work!'.
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