The 1980s was a decade that marked multiple changes in how American’s communicated, conducted business and appeared to others. I know, because I lived through it. Based on that experience, I thought that I would take a moment to highlight several inventions that popped up during the decade. Here they are:
Phones
The 1980s brought with it two notable changes to the way that Americans used the telephone. The first was the introduction of cordless phones. It occurred early in the decade and I remember it well. My first cordless phone was a disaster because it would pick up the conversations of other people in my neighborhood. Thus, although it was ideal for culling all the local gossip, it wasn’t very useful for much else.
The second memorable event was the introduction of the cell phone. I remember my first cell phone too. It was roughly the size of a handheld calculator and didn’t come with a button cover or a case. As such, the buttons would accidentally get pressed while it sat inside my purse. As a result, I ended up making unwanted and expensive phone calls to people across the globe.
Laptops
Phones weren’t the only items that changed and became more portable in the 1980s. Computers also started being designed with portability in mind. The first ones appeared on the scene in 1981 and others quickly followed. Among them were the Epson HX-20, the Osborne 1 and the Gavilan SC. However, I continued to use my desktop computer all throughout the 1980s because I had no need for a portable one.
Rogaine
Rogaine for men also burst onto the scene in the late 1980s. It was designed to help solve male baldness. I remember it well because of my grandfather. Although he suffered from hair loss, he refused to use the product. He thought it was “too weird” and continued to cover his bald spot with hats and comb over techniques that he had perfected over the years. By the 1990s the product line had gained acceptance and expanded to accommodate women.
Genetic Fingerprinting
Another 1980s development that I found fascinating was genetic fingerprinting. It first emerged onto the scene in 1984 courtesy of Sir Alec Jeffreys. It eventually led the way for advancements in law enforcement and medicine. What I remember the most about the advancement was its use in legal proceedings like murder trials and rape cases.
Contact Lenses
Lastly, the 1980s marked several advances in contact lenses. The first milestone occurred in the first half of the decade with the introduction of extended contact lenses. Later in the decade, disposable soft lenses were also released. I was one of the people that purchased both types. At the time, I thought that they were wonderful.
Source: Personal Experience
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