🧠 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 October 29, 1981
Full News Archive
- Headline: 'LOOKER': A Sinister Computer Thriller. Impact: The release of 'LOOKER' set off a cascade of paranoia around technology, leading to a bizarre future where people tried to avoid mirrors, suspecting they might be sentient. Eventually, this led to the rise of the 'No Reflection' movement in the 2020s, where everyone wore sunglasses indoors.. Fact: Did you know that in an alternate universe, 'LOOKER' was a romantic comedy about a computer that just wanted to find love? Spoiler: it ends up dating a toaster..
- Headline: Halloween II: A Horror Film Milestone. Impact: With 'HALLOWEEN II' hitting theaters, hospitals across the nation implemented stricter visitor policies, inadvertently causing a spike in horror-themed escape rooms that capitalized on the fear of being followed. Thus, the horror genre became a thriving therapy industry.. Fact: Fun fact: 'HALLOWEEN II' was originally pitched as a documentary on hospital administration, but they figured a killer would sell better. Because, you know, healthcare isn't terrifying enough..
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