30 Vintage Tech Ads That Show the Staggering Prices of Early Gadgets

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John Summers • Contributor
Feb 25, 2024 9:00 PM EST

Take a trip down memory lane with our collection of 30 tech product ads from the past that reveal just how expensive gadgets used to be. These advertisements offer a fascinating glimpse into the early days of technology, where a 10-megabyte hard disk could set you back $3,398, a VHS player was a luxury item at $1,280, and a computing system from 1978 came with a whopping price tag of $18,000. And that's not even taking inflation into account!

As we delve into these vintage ads, we'll see the evolution of technology and the shifting value of money over time. Each ad is a reminder of the rapid pace of innovation and how what was once cutting-edge and costly is now often taken for granted or obsolete. From bulky mobile phones to early personal computers, these ads are a testament to the progress we've made and the price we've paid for the convenience of modern technology. So, get ready for a nostalgic journey through the high-cost history of tech gadgets.

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  • 01

    Tandy Ct-300 Cellular Phone: $1,499.00 [$3,116.43 Today]

    800 save only 1499⁰⁰ SPLA 13 Affordable handheld cellular communication convenience CT-300 lets you make and take calls wherever you go. Only 1/2" wide and 28 oz. for easy portability. With 40-number memory, built-in rechargeable battery pack, antenna, carry case and strap. 17-2001 Charging stand recharges battery pack in one hour. 17-602.......... 99.95 29.95 AC adapter. 273-1653. Sale price expires May 31, 1989 TANDY/ Radio Shack DIVISION + INTERTAN CANADA LTD
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  • 02

    Panasonic Rx 5500 Stereo: $576.19 [$2,046 Today]

    Of course it costs the earth, it's the most advanced portable in the country. With a retail price of around £280, Panasonic's RX 5500 stereo radio cassette is hardly dirt cheap. But with the superb range of features it has to offer, in its field, it stands alone. And, so it will go wherever you go, the RX 5500 operates off mains power, internal batteries or your car. Not surprisingly, it doesn't go for a song. DOLBY IS THE TRADEMARK OF DOLBY LABORATORIES INC. There's the built-in Dolby noise red
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  • 03

    Sears 8-Digit Electronic Calculator: $98.95

    A palm-sze 8-digit Electronic Calculator with these big machine teatures for only $98.95 O Sears 12345h 18 CE 8 2 O 6 6 ON 1. Weighs less than 9 oz NOMINE Ts pode or the poet Rechargeable operates on Constant Kay by a constant - Clear Entry Key ging previalas entries Floating Decimal omaticily placed in the right phation without crases moor 25 N2 Electric Pinking Shears with hand-type cutting blade cord Ut 198.95 There are many more pages in this Book with new and unusual ideas like these: Octag
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  • 04

    Imsai PC With 10mb Hard Disk, 64k Ram: $5,995.00 [$18,700 Today]

    the 10-Megabyte Computer System Only $5995 COMPLETE 10-Megabyte Hard Disk • 5%" Dual-Density Floppy Disk Back-up . 8-Bit Microprocessor (Optional 16-bit Microprocessor) Memory-Mapped Video Display Board Disk Controller Standard 64K RAM (Optional 256K RAM) 10-Slot S-100 Motherboard New From IMSAI 28-Amp Power Supply 12" Monitor Standard Intelligent 62-Key ASCII Keyboard (Optional Intelligent 86-Key ASCII Extended Keyboard) 132-Column Dot-Matrix Printer CP/M Operating System You Read It Right... A
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  • 05

    The 1978 Ibm 5110: $18,000

    IBM 5110 Computing System Under $18,000 There was a time when 15,000 wodn't even over the monthly cont of a computer. But the new IRM 540 Com peting System shown above sells for $28,000 ther configurations range frum under $10000 to about K10,000. And for any of these prices, you get a versatile computer backed by 1131 service and reliability. The 510ean make a major contribution to your business. For example, it can be programmed to do your accounts re variety of timely management reports. The
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  • 06

    Corvus Systems Inc. Mass Storage: $5,350.00

    MOVING DATA AT A SNAIL'S PACE BECAUSE YOU'RE FLOPPY BOUND? Let Corvus Systems put you back in the race! SE 7 For TRS-801, Apple (including Apple Pascal), S-100 Bus-and now LSI-11. Fully compatible hardware/software. 10-million byte disk: IMI-7710. Proven Winchester technology. Z-80 based Corvus disk controller. Comprehensive disk diagnostics. Up to 4 disks per system. - System $5350, add-on disk $2990. . Corvus offers a complete systems solution to the mass storage problem of micro computers. In
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  • 07

    Spartan Apple II+ Emulator: $599.00

    HOW TO GET OVER $2000 WORTH OF NEW CAPABILITIES FOR YOUR COMMODORE 64™ FOR $599* The Spartan is the Apple II+ emulator for your Commodore 64" that will open up a whole new world of hardware and software for you! Imagine adding these features to your Commodore 64" for the Spartan™ price of $599: Apple ™ II + four hardware and software capabilities 64K RAM expansion software selectable Commodore 64" cartridge slots non-dedicated 8-bit parallel port standard audio cassette deck capabilities for you
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  • 08

    Jvc Hr-7300 Vidstar Vhs: $1,280.00

    *** Sand You come home, and the movie's waiting. The picture is sharp, the. colors are vibrant and true. That's because your JVC Vidstar recorded it... automatically, while you were gone. You'd expect such picture quality to come from a complicated machine. But the new HR-7300 Vidstar is astonishingly easy to use. That's why we call it "video-pure and simple." SIMPLE. IT ALMOST THINKS FOR YOU "Logic" controls virtually anticipate your wishes. You can record up to 6 hours on a single tape. Progra
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  • 09

    Xcomp 10mb Hard Disk: $3,398.00

    XCOMP introduces a complete micro-size disk subsystem with more... MORE STORAGE MORE SPEED MORE VALUE • MORE SUPPORT $100 users $3398 10MB THE HARD DISK The XCOMP subsystem is now ble with 10 megabytes of storage: 5 megabytes $2 898.00. Compare the price and or even 8-inch YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR MORE SOFTWARE Included with the system is software for testing, for matting, 10 drivers for CPM", plus an automatic CPM driver attach program. Support software and drivers for MP/M and Oasis are also av
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  • 10

    Betavision Video Cassette Recorder: $985.00

    It's the most exciting thing to happen for TV watchers since COLOR Introducing BETAVISION Video Cassette Recorder with our FULL ONE-YEAR NATIONWIDE WARRANTY BVISION WATCH WHAT YOU WANT WHEN YOU WANT $985⁰⁰ one 2-hour cassene included Take sound movies you cao play instantly on your TV Sound Camera ottweight loss than 3 to BETAVISION AND SHOOT WOON tourn PHARY Record TV programs up to 3 hours with one cassette, then watch them later. anytime Works with any TV. Black and White or Color. Set BetaVi
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  • 11

    Intecolor 3621 With 51k Disk Drive: $3,300.00

    Putting color to work in computers. Computers that present a wealth of confusing information serve only to slow the information process. At ISC, we use color graphics as a highly-effective communications medium. Why color? Research has shown that color con- veys information more quickly and effectively than any other visual method. Thus, when compared to black and white, a color CRT display results in faster, more accurate user response. And that means faster decisions from the ultimate proc- es
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  • 12

    Sinclair Zx80 With 4k Basic: $199.95

    ant p Jable? ast Have can be Juce EGR metering nt spess seems s e in filter echanic can't and La age p fuel-pre eve whe re will s ak vent p level, tr tem d with the c tran the c ates so me swa about y mak The ca mecat belie or so el m tark Ca 200 # D The first personal computer for under $200. The Sinclair ZX80. A complete computer- only $199.95 plus $5.00 shipping. Now, for just $199.95, you can get a complete, powerful, full-function computer, matching or surpassing other personal computers co
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  • 13

    Phone-Mate Answering Machine: $129.50

    ryd 2011-209 6849-165 Ell The Phone-mate automatic telephone answerer is so nice to come home to. All your phone messages are there waiting for you... crystal clear. You play them back leisurely, enjoying the happy talk, the familiar voices, Phone-mate will even take your calls while you're at home. You can hear who's calling without touching your phone. You can choose to talk or not. If you don't want to be disturbed, let your Phone-mate take the message. Your home is safer, model 400 new low p
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  • 14

    Emerson Radio Corporation Television Set – 1949: $599.50

    THE PERFORMANCE, STYLE AND VALUE LEADER IN PROTELGRAM-PROJECTION TELEVISION Emerson Television REG, TRADE MARE -- 1949 -- List Price Only $400 50 JJJ The quickest, surest way to capture your share of the expanding market for BIG SCREEN PROJECTION SETS is to concentrate on Emerson Long Distance PROTELGRAM TELEVISION. Giant-size 192 square-inch, brilliant, "easy-on-the eyes" pictures. Sensitive long-range circuit. Beautiful Honduras mahog- any veneer console with "Fold- away" picture screen. Once
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  • 15

    Motorola Stereo Hi-Fi Coffee Table: $169.95

    Stereo Hi-Fi and FM/AM radio in a coffee table MOTOROLA new leader in the lively art of electronics This Motorola lets you enjoy the best in listening, is finished on all four sides to look smart from any part of the room...costs only $169.95* see one that played music? This Motorola version is a bona fide stereo hi-fi-and has an FM/AM radio to boot. The idea makes good sense because you get a useful piece of furniture and fine entertainment from one compact, 16 high piece that looks attractive
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  • 16

    Trs-80 Computer Sold In 1977: $3,450

    GGS that taught this boy... Meet TRS-80's Big Brother! New TRS-80 Model II Systems from $3450 This is the computer... We've added a bigger, more powertal "trother to the TRG-00 family s TRS-60 Model R a completely new microcomputer for business applications, its capablites begin where Model Tacoroaches upper Inits Surage capacity from a megatyle to 2 megabytes! For eartiest delivery order now tom any of our 7000 iscations TRS 00 Computer Consultant Ralph Lipe of Fort Worth, Tea to write this pro
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  • 17

    Sinclair Microvision TV: $395.00

    W Terry Bradshaw Quenerback, Paburgh Steelers dated TV Reception Introducing Sinclair Microvision, the only pocket TV you can watch anywhere. Terry Bradshaw is a great football player. He's also a big basketball fan and hates to miss a good game on TV or anything good on TV But like a lot of people on the go, there isn't always a television set on hand. smallest TV. It weighs only 26 ounces and comes in a rugged steel case that measures just 4" wide x 1%" high x 6% deep. It operates on rechargea
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  • 18

    Sears Color TV: $327.88

    DIAGONAL MEASURE PICTURE OUR BEST SELLING 18-INCH MEDALIST PORTABLE COLOR TV 1 Simulated TV Reception Fall Big Book WAS $369.95 December Catalog Supplement WAS $337.88 NOW CUT EVEN MORE TO $327.88
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  • 19

    Mid-80’s Seagate St4096 Memory Hard Disk: $12,000

    Now you can get our disk systems within 30 days ARO at the industry's lowest prices: .80 Mbytes for under $12K* 300 Mbytes for under $20K* Field-proven reliability. total software support and 30-day delivery. You've come to expect them all from us. And that's why we've become the world's largest independent supplier of minicomputer disk storage systems. Now add low price. Lower than the minicompu- ter manufacturer, lower than any other indepen. dent the lowest in the industry. Why? Because we bu
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  • 20

    Cellphone From UK: $895

    We'd like to tell you about our prices going down. (And back up.) First the prices going down. We've reduced the Coral, one of our smallest hand portable Cellphones, by £300.* So at £699 plus VAT, both the price and the phone will fit your pocket. Next the back-up. Free with every Cellphone is the largest back-up service in the country. We offer more service centres than any other supplier, a nationwide instant replacement guarantee, and also expert advice from our highly trained staff. But don'
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  • 21

    Ampex Fr200 Tape Transport: $2,675.00

    new digital magnetic tape transport || the AMPEX FR200 for digital handling provides new performance standards, new convenience features and an unmatched excellence of design NEW EASE OF TAPE CHANGE... The time saving feature of single loop threading is pro- vided by a lever which moves the idlers into a straight line. This arrangement eliminates chance of faulty threading by unskilled personnel. NEW LOW PRICES BEGINNING AT $2675 The base price of $2675 is for a complete FR207-TB tape transport,
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  • 22

    Osborne Computer: $1795

    The $1795. The Osborne is to Personal Business learn, fun to use, and quickly becomes Computer that is changing the way people go to work. Henry Ford revolutionized personal transportation. Adam Osborne has done the same for personal business computing. Virtually everything you need in a personal business computer to work faster and better with words, numbers, and ideas is included in a portable carrying case you can take anywhere. One price, $1795, buys it all. The Osborne is available from a c
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  • 23

    10 Megabyte Hard Drive: $3,500

    10 Megabyte Hard Disk $3,495 * 540-12 Top Load Drive Factory rebuilt 10MB cartridge disk drive only A new Cameo Data Systems controller is available for $1,495 $4,495 for a brand new Ampex 10MB drive only We are the CP/M and MP/M specialist of South- ern California. We can supply you with the latest CP/M ($150) or MP/M ($300) and with Standard BIOS ($150) or Custom BIOS ($300). Immediate delivery worldwide. Domestic and foreign inquiries invited...dealers too. CP Mail MP M Tradewurke Agital Neva
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  • 24

    Bell & Howell 8mm Camera: $207.70

    Save $2015 Dante ontama Separately $397.85 Spool-load Outfit Bell & How ZOOMATIC $37770 $10 down You get everything you need to take and show thrilling zoom movies in these complete outfits: Power wer zoom camera with finger-tip zoom control! Self-threading projector for brilliant movies. 50x 50-inch lenticular screen for sharp pictures. The Bell & Howell 8mm power zoom Comera does all the figuring! Push-button zoom control provides zooming from 9mm wide angle to 27mm telephoto. Lens is high spe
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  • 25

    The Trs-80 Model 4 (1983): $1,300

    SuperSCRIPSIT New Low Price! 2-Disk TRS-80° Model 4 Now Cut $700 Multiplan A Smart Investment! Now you can save time, effort-and money- with your own TRS-80 Model 4. It's the personal desktop computer de- signed to meet the needs every professional. H 11000 Improve Your Productivity. With ready-to-run software, you can pre- pare sales forecasts, compose correction-free letters and reports, store and retrieve information, streamline your bookkeeping, send electronic mail, and more-all with astoun
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  • 26

    1984 PC Computer Unit: $5,000

    TU 256K 1-Disk 4999⁰⁰ Commercial Lease Available for Only $175 Per Month (Plus Applicable Use/Sales Tax) NEW FOR '84 Priced From 256,000 Characters of Internal Memory-Expandable to 768,000 Characters Includes TRSDOS Single-User and TRS-XENIX" Multi-User Operating Systems Choose One or Two Built-in 1,250,000-Character 8 Floppy Disk Drives or Our New Powerful System With One Floppy Drive and 15-Megabyte Hard Disk Built-n Unique Dual-Processor Design Four Internal Plug-in Expansion Slots
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  • 27

    1977 The Apple Ll: $1195

    apple NEW! appla APPLE 11 PLUS ONLY $1195 A complete self-contained computer system with APPLESOFT floating point BASIC in ROM, full ASCII keyboard in a light weight molded carrying case. Features Include: • auto-start ROM Hi-Res graphics and 15 color video output. . Expandable to 48K. Disk.... Add-on Disk..... Pascal Card... Business Software.. Monitor Printer Card. Programmer's Aid. Speechlab.. $595 495 495 Lightpen. 625 Communication Card. 149 Modem .... 180 EPROM Programmer 50 229 250 225 20
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  • 28

    Westinghouse ‘Big Picture Television’: $269 (Today Would Be Around $2,700)

    SEE Westinghouse BIG PICTURE Television Thiphors THINK OF IT! 00000 182-INCH PICTURE IMAGE FROM A 1212-INCH TUBE AT SMALL PICTURE PRICE SENSATIONAL ONLY $269.95 INSTALLATION, OWNER SERVICE POLICY, FEDERAL TAX EXTRA Electronic MAGNIFIER A flip of the turns regular size picture to giant close-up IT'S THE ALL-NEW WESTINGHOUSE 242! • Electronic Magnifier lets you choose fall-vision picture or giant clectronic close-up! Simultaneous tuning of picture and sound... tone for the best picture and the bes
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  • 29

    The Commodore 64: $600

    IF PERSONAL COMPUTERS ARE FOR EVERYBODY, HOW COME THEY'RE PRICED FOR NOBODY? A personal computer is supposed to be a computer for persons. Not just wealthy persons Or whiz-kd persons. Or privileged persons But porson porsona. APPLE Ile 64K In other words, all the persons whom Apple, IBM, and Radio Shack seem to have forgotten about (including, most Skoly you. $1395* $999* $1355* TRS-80° III 16K IBM PC 64K other home computers can't, Including some of those that cost a lot more Take another look
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  • 30

    Atari 400 PC: $549.00

    MA 25m Put an electronic genius to work A 654 Sears A2 issued no, 237 Auto Tedi checke 238 Moores Toys 230 Stevens Bros 240Gordons Hurdwr deposit 241 A,J Market ADV 410 2 3 FECOND 3-17 19.55 Bol 20045 3-18 37.73 Bel 162.72 3-20 15.10 Bel 147,62 000 OWE ABDEC DODONO 5 $1.29 96,33 3-26 100.00 Bel 196.33 3:28 37.55 Bel 158.78 3-26 Bul 158.78 Final Bal ATARI 400 CONTROLLER JACKO FAKTEVS AUTOS BASIC (1) PROGRAM RECORDER Use with Educational Cassettes (sold at right) or use to record and store your ow
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