🧠 Inventions of 1981
Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
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
HEADLINES ON August 25, 1981
Full News Archive
- Headline: William Hurt Stars in Body Heat. Impact: William Hurt's portrayal of a fall guy led to an endless stream of 'whoops, I didn't mean to murder' tropes in cinema. You can thank him for every bad rom-com where the lead character trips over their own lies and accidentally discovers a dead body.. Fact: Did you know that this film helped establish the 'sexy thriller' genre? Because nothing says romance quite like adultery and murder, right?.
- Headline: Australian Gallipoli: A Telling Drama. Impact: The film 'Gallipoli' not only rekindled interest in Australia’s military history but also inspired countless debates on the nature of heroism and sacrifice—because nothing’s better than a good argument over a cup of tea while remembering the fallen.. Fact: Fun fact: The film was so impactful that it sparked a national conversation about ANZAC Day, which is now celebrated each year. So, thanks, Weir, for reminding us all of our history while simultaneously making us cry..
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1981, here's what it would be worth in 2025.
Rank #2
INTC
Intel
Price in 1981
$0.23
Value in 2025
$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