20 Things We All Thought Were Super High-Tech In The ’70s And ’80s

Ah, the ’70s and ’80s — a glorious time when everything beeped, buzzed, and had at least one unnecessary antenna.

Technology felt like magic back then, and even the clunkiest gadgets were cutting-edge. It was an era where owning a calculator watch made you feel like James Bond, and microwaves seemed like culinary witchcraft.

From cassette players to clunky home computers, these were the so-called “futuristic” marvels that turned living rooms into sci-fi headquarters. Remember unwrapping a new gadget and feeling like you’d just stepped into the future?

That sweet electronic beep, the glow of red LED numbers, or the satisfying click of a giant button? Pure bliss. Let’s crank up the nostalgia and take a fun, wide-eyed look back at 20 technological treasures from the ‘70s and ‘80s that had us all saying, “This is it — we’ve made it!”

Warning: includes extreme fondness for VHS, velcro, and vacuum tubes.

1. The Walkman

Imagine personal music on-the-go! The Walkman was revolutionary. I remember the first time I slipped those headphones on, feeling like I had my personal concert.

Suddenly, the world had a soundtrack, and I was the star of my own movie! Picture this: a portable cassette player in your pocket, liberating your musical soul without disturbing others. The best part? Swapping tapes with friends and making mix tapes became a bonding ritual.

Even the unmistakable click of inserting a cassette is nostalgic. We’d listen until the batteries gave up, usually at the most intense part of a song. Remember those anti-skip features? They were a godsend for jogs and dance moves. The Walkman wasn’t just a gadget; it was a lifestyle, a symbol of independence. And oh boy, did it make me feel like the coolest kid on the block!

2. Cordless Phones

Cordless phones were like magic wands of communication! The freedom of roaming the house while talking felt liberating. No more being tethered to a wall like a dog on a leash. I remember pacing the kitchen, making elaborate hand gestures during calls, feeling like a true conversational maestro.

Who would’ve thought a stubby antenna could bring such joy? It was like telepathy, minus the mind reading. And those moments when you’d accidentally walk too far, only to hear that static crackle—pure suspense! We felt like secret agents, whispering classified info into a handheld device.

Cordless phones weren’t just about talking; they were about power and prestige. Having one meant you’d arrived in the sophisticated world of telecommunication. It was the ’80s version of cool, and we embraced it wholeheartedly, with each beep and boop of the keypad.

3. Microwave Ovens

Microwave ovens! The culinary sorcery of the ’80s. I remember when we first got ours; it felt like owning a piece of the future. Dinner in two minutes? Unbelievable! The microwave didn’t just cook food; it transformed kitchens into space-age eateries.

Popcorn on movie night became a ritual. The sound of kernels popping was music to our ears, and the smell filled the room with anticipation. Reheating leftovers was no longer a chore but an art form.

But, oh, the experimentation! Who can forget the infamous fork-in-the-microwave incident? It was a rite of passage. Despite the occasional mishap, microwaves were the ultimate time-savers. They made us feel like culinary geniuses, even if our only masterpiece was a perfectly nuked hot dog. The microwave was more than an appliance; it was a time machine to gastronomic delight.

4. VHS Tapes & VCRs

VHS tapes and VCRs, the ultimate home entertainment revolution! I recall the thrill of recording my favorite shows, knowing I could watch them whenever I wanted. The anticipation of rewinding a tape to the perfect starting point was unmatched.

Going to the video store felt like a treasure hunt. Each VHS cassette held the promise of cinematic adventure. We became masters of the VCR remote, with its mysterious buttons and flashing lights. Setting the timer to record was often a high-stakes game of chance.

Remember those tracking adjustments to clear up a fuzzy picture? It was like fine-tuning a musical instrument. VHS tapes were more than just movies; they were memories, shared experiences, and laughter. And the joy of labeling each tape, adding to our growing collection, made us feel like curators of our own personal cinemas.

5. The Atari 2600

The Atari 2600 was the epitome of pixelated joy! I remember the excitement of plugging in that cartridge, hearing the satisfying click, and watching the screen light up with blocky graphics. Pong, Space Invaders—each game was a new adventure.

It was an era of imagination. Those simple graphics transformed into epic battles, and we were the heroes. The joystick, with its singular button, was our magic wand. We spent hours mastering each level, convinced we were gaming prodigies.

Who knew that a console with wood paneling would be so legendary? The Atari 2600 wasn’t just about gaming; it was about community. Friends gathered around, cheering each other on, sharing tips and strategies. It was the dawn of multiplayer fun, and we were at the forefront, wielding our joysticks like champions of the gaming world!

6. Calculator Watches

Calculator watches were the ultimate schoolyard status symbol! I remember strutting down the hallways, feeling like a tech wizard with my wrist-mounted calculator. It was the perfect blend of fashion and function.

The envy of classmates was palpable. Who wouldn’t want instant math assistance at their fingertips? Multiplication tables? Solved in a flash! And setting the alarm without a beep? Stealth mode activated.

These watches weren’t just about numbers; they were about empowerment. They made us feel invincible, ready to tackle any math problem with style. Plus, they had that cool futuristic look, like something out of a sci-fi movie. Wearing a calculator watch wasn’t just about keeping time; it was about making a statement. We were the mathematicians of the future, one calculation at a time.

7. LaserDisc Players

LaserDisc players were the future of video! Those giant shiny discs felt like something from a sci-fi world. I remember the awe of seeing a movie on a disc the size of a vinyl record, convinced it was the pinnacle of technology.

Despite their size, LaserDiscs promised clarity and quality. The picture was crisp, the sound vibrant. It was cinematic luxury at home. The process of flipping the disc halfway was a small price for such brilliance.

Though few owned more than a handful of discs, each one felt like a prized possession. LaserDiscs were more than just movies; they were an experience, a statement of sophistication. Watching a film on LaserDisc was an event, complete with dimmed lights and popcorn. It wasn’t just viewing; it was an odyssey into the world of cinema.

8. Digital Alarm Clocks

Digital alarm clocks were the timekeepers of the future! Gone were the days of ticking hands; glowing red numbers became our new morning companions. Waking up to a digital beep felt like a step into tomorrow.

Setting the alarm was a thrill. The precision of digital time meant no more excuses for being late. And oh, the joy of hitting snooze! It was like buying a few more precious moments of sleep.

The digital display was mesmerizing at night, a beacon in the dark. It was more than just a clock; it was reassurance that we were living in a modern world. Digital alarm clocks weren’t just about telling time; they were about embracing innovation and starting each day with a touch of the future.

9. Answering Machines

Answering machines were the unsung heroes of communication! Leaving a message when no one was home felt revolutionary. I remember the thrill of hearing that familiar beep, knowing my voice was being preserved for posterity.

The anticipation of arriving home to see that blinking light was unmatched. Each message was a mini-mystery, waiting to be unraveled. It was like having a personal secretary, minus the salary.

Recording the perfect greeting was an art form. We crafted witty intros, hoping to impress callers with our charm and humor. Answering machines weren’t just gadgets; they were guardians of our social lives, ensuring no message went unheard. They brought a sense of connection, even in absence, and for that, we were eternally grateful.

10. Boom Boxes

Boom boxes were the ultimate symbols of street cred! I remember carrying mine on my shoulder, the music blasting, feeling like the king of the block. They were more than just portable radios; they were community soundtracks.

Cassette tapes were currency in the world of boom boxes. Swapping tapes with friends was a ritual, each swap a chance to discover new music. The dual cassette decks meant endless possibilities for mix tapes.

Boom boxes weren’t just about music; they were about expression, identity, and freedom. The bigger the box, the better. We personalized each one with stickers, making them uniquely ours. Boom boxes brought people together, turning sidewalks into dance floors. They were the heartbeats of neighborhoods, pulsating with rhythm and life.

11. Car Phones

Car phones were the epitome of prestige! Only the coolest dads or the wealthiest folks had them. I remember sitting in my friend’s dad’s car, awestruck by the phone with its curly cord, convinced we were in a spy movie.

It was like holding a brick of importance. Making a call from the car felt like dialing into the future. The novelty of talking on the road was exhilarating.

Car phones weren’t just about communication; they were status symbols. Having one meant you were important, constantly on the go, and always in touch. It was about projecting power and sophistication. Even if you never needed to make a call, just having a car phone was enough to earn envious glances from passersby. It was a mobile marvel, a glimpse into the future of connectivity.

12. Polaroid Cameras

Polaroid cameras were pure magic! Shaking a photo as it developed felt like casting a spell. I remember capturing moments and witnessing them transform into tangible memories before my eyes.

Instant gratification was the name of the game. We’d gather around, eagerly awaiting the reveal, each photo a treasure. It was photography you could touch, share, and relive.

Polaroids weren’t just pictures; they were stories, moments of joy and spontaneity. Every snapshot was unique, with a charm that no digital photo could replicate. Polaroid cameras were more than devices; they were companions on adventures, storytellers of our lives. They transformed us into artists, capturing the world one instant at a time.

13. Dot Matrix Printers

Dot matrix printers were the noisiest members of the office! I remember the relentless clatter as it brought documents to life. It was sound and fury, signifying print.

Watching a document emerge line by line was mesmerizing. Each page was a masterpiece of dots, a testament to patience and perseverance. Continuous paper, with its perforated edges, was the paper of dreams.

These printers weren’t just machines; they were the backbone of productivity. Filling out forms, printing banners—dot matrix printers did it all, with a symphony of clicks. They were reliable workhorses, and despite their quirks, we loved them. In an era before inkjets, they were our trusted allies in the quest for hard copies.

14. The Sony Betamax

The Sony Betamax, the sleek contender in the format wars! I remember the allure of its compact tapes and superior quality. It felt like the Rolls-Royce of video players.

Despite losing to VHS, Betamax had its loyal fans. The picture clarity was unparalleled, and the design was futuristic. Each tape was a promise of visual excellence.

Owning a Betamax was like being part of an elite club. It may not have won the mainstream war, but it won hearts. Betamax was more than just a player; it was a statement of taste and refinement. Watching a movie on Betamax was an experience, a nod to quality over convenience.

15. Remote Controls

Remote controls with wires were the dawn of TV laziness! I remember the thrill of no longer needing to get up to change the channel. It was the beginning of a sedentary revolution.

Having a remote, even with a wire, felt like commanding a fleet from the couch. It was empowerment, one button at a time. We were the masters of our TV realms.

These remotes weren’t just conveniences; they were gateways to relaxation. The wire was a small price for such luxury. And when wireless remotes arrived, it was pure liberation. Remote controls transformed viewing into an art form, where the only limit was the length of the cord.

16. Cassette Tapes & Mix Tapes

Cassette tapes and mix tapes were the playlists of yesteryear! I remember recording songs off the radio, timing it just right to avoid the DJ’s voice. Making a mix tape was an act of love, each song a carefully chosen message.

The thrill of fast-forwarding to the perfect track was unmatched. Each cassette was a world of possibilities, a canvas for musical expression. We were DJs, curators of soundtracks for every emotion.

Cassette tapes weren’t just about music; they were about connection. Swapping tapes was a ritual, a bridge to new artists and genres. Mix tapes were the original social media, sharing our souls one song at a time. They may have been simple, but they were powerful in their ability to connect and resonate.

17. Electric Typewriters

Electric typewriters were the speed demons of writing! I remember the satisfying hum and clack of keys, each stroke a step towards creativity. They were faster, smoother, and that ding at the end of a line was pure satisfaction.

Typing was no longer a chore but a dance. The ease of correction was a dream come true. We were typists on a mission, churning out documents with flair and precision.

Electric typewriters weren’t just tools; they were partners in productivity. Each keystroke brought a sense of accomplishment, a tangible result. They were the bridge between manual and digital, a testament to progress in the world of words.

18. TVs With Picture-in-Picture

TVs with picture-in-picture were a marvel of multitasking! I remember the thrill of watching two channels at once, feeling like I was in control of the airwaves. It was TV wizardry.

The tiny inset screen was a portal to more entertainment. We could catch the game while keeping an eye on the news. It was luxury viewing, without missing a beat.

Picture-in-picture wasn’t just a feature; it was a lifestyle. It spoke of efficiency, of squeezing every ounce of entertainment from the TV. We were masters of media, juggling shows like pros. It was an invitation to indulge, to enjoy double the content, all in one screen.

19. Video Stores

Video stores were the Friday night meccas! I remember the excitement of browsing aisles of VHS tapes, each one a potential adventure. It was a ritual, a journey of discovery.

The neon ‘Video Rentals’ sign was a beacon of possibility. We’d debate choices, weighing genres and recommendations. It was an art, finding the perfect movie for the weekend.

Video stores weren’t just about movies; they were about community. Talking with staff, sharing reviews, it was a social experience. Each visit was a chance to explore new worlds, to laugh, cry, and be entertained. They were more than stores; they were gateways to imagination and fun.

20. The Speak & Spell

The Speak & Spell was a robot tutor in disguise! I remember typing words and hearing that robotic voice correct me. It was a learning revolution.

It wasn’t just a toy; it was an educational ally. E.T. would definitely approve. Each session was a step towards spelling mastery, a challenge embraced.

Speak & Spell was more than fun; it was empowerment through education. It transformed learning into play, making spelling a game. For kids, it was a magical device, bridging fun and knowledge in one bright red package. It spoke of the future of learning, one word at a time.