Inventions & Breakthroughs of October 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 October 17, 1981
Full News Archive
- Headline: 'Chanel Solitaire' Unveils Women's Desires. Impact: The 'CHANEL SOLITAIRE' phenomenon led to a fashion revolution, which eventually triggered the rise of online influencers in the 21st century. Who would have thought that a simple desire for glamour could lead to endless selfies and the invention of the 'Insta-filter'?. Fact: Did you know that Coco Chanel once said, 'Fashion fades, only style remains the same'? Clearly, she never encountered a TikTok trend..
- Headline: Campus Murders in 'Strange Behavior'. Impact: The brutal campus murders in 'STRANGE BEHAVIOR' inspired a wave of thrillers that convinced future generations that college life is basically a horror movie. Thanks to this, every freshman now packs a survival guide alongside their textbooks.. Fact: Fun fact: The only thing more terrifying than campus murders is the freshman 15. You might survive the first, but good luck with the second!.
- Headline: Aldrich's Resounding Wrestling Promotion. Impact: Aldrich's '...ALL THE MARBLES' popularized wrestling as a mainstream entertainment, leading to the creation of reality TV shows based on people pretending to be someone they’re not. Today, we can thank this film for reality stars who can't wrestle their way out of a paper bag.. Fact: Did you know that wrestling is the only sport where you can lose and still get a standing ovation? Kind of like my last attempt at karaoke..
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