Here's what we really paid for these cutting edge electronics back in the '80s

What was a telephone answerer, anyways?

The technological advances of the 1980s seemed so rad back then, but today they feel so outdated. It's fun to look back at how much we paid for cordless phones and boom boxes, but it's not so fun to see how much we paid in today's dollars. 

Synthesizer

1980s cost: $499.95

Today's value: $1,438.07

Open Reel

1980s cost: $499.95

Today's value: $1,438.07

Turntable

1980s cost: $259.95

Today's value: $747.73

Cordless Phone

1980s cost: $219.95

Today's value: $632.67

Answering Machine

1980s cost: $179.95

Today's value: $517.61

Notice how this technology was so new, it was called a "telephone answerer." Answering machine sounds a lot easier on the tongue. 

13" Color TV

1980s cost: $399.95

Today's value: $1,150.42

Clock Radio

1980s cost: $59.95

Today's value: $172.44

Boom box

1980s cost: $279.95

Today's value: $805.25

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2 Comments

Dario 35 months ago
That cordless phone looks like a walkie-talkie! 😆
BobZayas 48 months ago
The "today's" value of that middling turntable makes the current high price of a good new turntable seem not to be so out of line.
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