"Advanced" Technology
The 1980's became on era of new technology everywhere, from video games to widespread usasge of computers, and even cell phones. Technology attracted people everywhere; kids who wanted to try out Pac-man, and adults who wanted to utilize personal computers in their workplaces. The 80's would give way to the technology boom in the 90s and the 21 century.
On August 12, 1981 IBM released its new invention, an IBM PC, PC standing for Personal Computer. The computer sold for $1565, about $4000 in todays economy. The computer had a black and white screen, and came with 16 kilobytes of memory (6). Many of the Baby Boomers found the first PC extremely helpful, because it created more jobs and an entire new industry to explore; the computer industry (5). Another cheaper home computer that was used was the Commodore 64 that was first introduced to the United States in 1982. At that time, it was only $595, but it was used more for entertainment than as a work related computer (32).
Also used for entertainment were the Nintendo Entertainment System. Lots of games could be played on the Nintendo, such as Mario Bros. Nintendo systems were sold for about $250, and about half a million were sold (32). Not only were home entertainment systems popular, but at this time there was also an emergence of arcades around the nation, housing the most popular games like Pac-Man and Space Invaders (2). Pac-Man is still popular and played all around the world today, a relic of the 1980's that still survives!
Another new invention for the 1980's was the cell phone. However, these devices were not the things of today, for they were not sleek, shiny, colorful, or high tech. These phones were basic and very chunky, and they were even referred to as "The Brick" because of their demeanor. In 1983, the first cell phone was introduced by Motorola, the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X. This phone cost over $90 million to research and develop (14). Cell phones of this generation were also known for their bad signal service (2).
On August 12, 1981 IBM released its new invention, an IBM PC, PC standing for Personal Computer. The computer sold for $1565, about $4000 in todays economy. The computer had a black and white screen, and came with 16 kilobytes of memory (6). Many of the Baby Boomers found the first PC extremely helpful, because it created more jobs and an entire new industry to explore; the computer industry (5). Another cheaper home computer that was used was the Commodore 64 that was first introduced to the United States in 1982. At that time, it was only $595, but it was used more for entertainment than as a work related computer (32).
Also used for entertainment were the Nintendo Entertainment System. Lots of games could be played on the Nintendo, such as Mario Bros. Nintendo systems were sold for about $250, and about half a million were sold (32). Not only were home entertainment systems popular, but at this time there was also an emergence of arcades around the nation, housing the most popular games like Pac-Man and Space Invaders (2). Pac-Man is still popular and played all around the world today, a relic of the 1980's that still survives!
Another new invention for the 1980's was the cell phone. However, these devices were not the things of today, for they were not sleek, shiny, colorful, or high tech. These phones were basic and very chunky, and they were even referred to as "The Brick" because of their demeanor. In 1983, the first cell phone was introduced by Motorola, the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X. This phone cost over $90 million to research and develop (14). Cell phones of this generation were also known for their bad signal service (2).
Lastly, we have the portable musical devices, more commonly referred to as Walkmans. In 1980 the Sony Walkman hit the United States market, but at $150, many people were reluctant to purchase it (2/36). It wasn't until more companies began making Walkmans as well, creating competition and lower prices, that people started to buy them (36). Portable music players of the 1980's gave way to the MP3 players and Ipods of today.
The general public of the 1980's jumped on the chance to enhance the technology of their life, whether it be for entertainment or for work. Adults spent their money on cell phones and PCs, while children and teenagers were more likely to spend their money on Pac-Man and Nintendo. Also, the Yuppies were more likely own PCs than non-conformists, because they wanted to be successful.
The general public of the 1980's jumped on the chance to enhance the technology of their life, whether it be for entertainment or for work. Adults spent their money on cell phones and PCs, while children and teenagers were more likely to spend their money on Pac-Man and Nintendo. Also, the Yuppies were more likely own PCs than non-conformists, because they wanted to be successful.
From left to right: Pac-Man, A classic example of a Nintendo, and Space Invaders (33)
