🧠 Inventions of 1988
Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
1 
Internet Worm
2 
Portable Laptop Computer
3 
Digital Video Compression Concept
4 
Global Positioning System Civilian Access
5 
Medical Imaging PACS Systems
6 
Touchscreen Interface Prototype
7 
Digital Signal Processor Expansion
8 
Automated Speech Recognition Systems
9 
Electronic Mail Client Software
10 
Reusable Launch Vehicle Studies
HEADLINES ON November 3, 1988
Full News Archive
- Headline: The Art of Bentwood Furniture. Impact: If only Thonet knew that his bentwood chairs would one day be the seats of hipsters in overpriced coffee shops, he might've invested in wood glue instead of innovation. The chairs have caused countless caffeinated debates over the years, not to mention some serious back pain for those who dare to sit for more than an hour.. Fact: Did you know that Michael Thonet was the original hipster? He was bending wood before it was cool, and his chairs are still more fashionable than some of the outfits people wear today..
- Headline: Dow Jones Slightly Rises in Mixed Market. Impact: The Dow gaining 5.87 points in a 'listless session' is like getting a participation trophy in the stock market. This insignificant bump likely led to an endless cycle of investors thinking they’ve got the Midas touch, causing economic fluctuations that have haunted us ever since. Thanks, Dow, for keeping mediocrity alive!. Fact: Did you know that a 5.87 point gain is basically the financial equivalent of finding a quarter in your couch? Congratulations, Wall Street! You're still broke!.
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1988, here's what it would be worth in 2025.
Rank #1
AAPL
Apple
Price in 1988
$0.31
Value in 2025
$884,238
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1988, it would be worth $884,238 today (884.2x return)
Rank #2
MSFT
Microsoft
Price in 1988
$0.24
Value in 2025
$2,037,337
Microsoft - If you invested $1,000 in 1988, it would be worth $2,037,337 today (2037.3x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
The Killing Joke
$75
Sandman #1
$500
Batman: A Death in the Family
$150
The Spectre #1
$42,000
Wolverine #1
$1,500
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figures
$200.00
Super Powers Collection
$150.00
Ghostbusters Proton Pack
$300.00
Polly Pocket
$250.00
Micro Machines
$300.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
Super Mario Bros. 3
$120.00
Mega Man 2
$200.00
Dragon Quest III
$200.00
Super Contra
$150.00
Altered Beast
$269.99
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
Michael Jordan 1988 Fleer Basketball #17
$250,000
Wayne Gretzky 1988 O-Pee-Chee Hockey #1
$2,040.00
Kenner Starting Lineup Steve Young 1988 Figure Card
$600
Super Mario Bros. 1988 Topps Nintendo Game Pack #1A
$500
Bo Jackson 1988 Topps Baseball #750
$129