4 1980s gadgets that revolutionized the tech world
Not many of us know that 1980s underwent a radical progression in the field of technology. In fact, it is considered to have revolutionized the field of technology. Here are the most popular 80s gadgets that had taken the tech world by storm.
Apple Macintosh 128k
On 24th January 1984, Apple founder Steve Jobs had launched Apple Macintosh. It was a groundbreaking step that led other tech companies towards the goal of mass-production of PCs for homes and offices. Macintosh 128k was innovative in every sense, from having the first 9-inch monochrome display to introducing the world to Graphic User Interfaces (GUIs). It also had the capacity to support 3.5-inch floppy disks. This was, in fact, a big deal in those days. Macintosh 128k eventually was replaced by Macintosh 512k. Though it had better features, it couldn’t replace the 128k.
Nintendo Entertainment System
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was launched in the USA in 1985 with a revised version of its Japanese counterpart, FamiCom and has been single-handedly responsible for saving the video game industry back then. A western makeover, with a few external changes here and there, and NES took the video game world by storm. NES was launched alongside 17 other video games in the USA around the same time-period, but had made a permanent impact, courtesy its easy portability, user-friendly interface, and unique next generation gaming features.
Sony Walkman TPS-L2
On 1st July 1980, Sony released its famous Walkman TPS-L2, what eventually came to be known as the iPod of the 80s. It had transformed the act of music listening. In fact, this tiny portable music player with two headset jacks, silvery buttons and cassette box became a sensation and went on to become the decade’s most popular and successful consumer product. Although Sony, alongside Apple and other companies had thereafter released better versions of this Walkman, they were unable to replace its glorious iconic status. In fact, until it was discontinued in 2010, Sony had sold 400 million Walkmans, a record on its own.
Casio calculator watch
Casio CA-50, popularly known as the first ever calculator watch, this progressive time gadget was an insane hit among 1980s youth, for its in-built calculator system. The watch had unique and handy features like space to store numbers, names, contact info and notes. In those days, owning a wristwatch with a calculator inside it, was a big deal. Till today, watch lovers look for this one-of-its kind gadget. Thanks to Casio, there are still some of these gadgets preserved in many countries.