[ad_1]
In an era of shag carpets and lava lamps, Americans were increasingly saying “no” to the longstanding tradition of renting their phones. For decades, consumers paid monthly fees to companies for their home phone service and the devices themselves. But as the 1980s dawned, a quiet revolution began. People across the nation broke with tradition and bought their own phones.The shift was not only practical but also a bold statement of individuality and style. Though most chose to buy sleek and simple phones, there were other, braver choices. Mickey Mouse and Snoopy were popular options. For the more avant-garde, there were designer phones in all shapes and sizes. Some were cordless. There was even a phone covered in leather.WATCH the video to see this retro tech in all its glory. You won’t believe how much some of them cost!If you liked this story, here are a few more blasts from the past.Retro Find: Remember these car cell phones from the 1980s?Though it wasn’t hands-free, one of the first cellular car phones debuted in the U.S. in 1985.What 1985 got right, wrong about ‘talking machines’ in 2023A reporter in 1985 explored what “talking machines” might look like in the future. Many of the predictions were eerily accurate.WATCH: Teens decode slang from 2001 like ‘tight,’ ‘oasis’Do you feel me? Bling blinging? One of our reporters enlisted the help of some “super hip” high school seniors to help decode the cryptic slang of 2001.
In an era of shag carpets and lava lamps, Americans were increasingly saying “no” to the longstanding tradition of renting their phones.
For decades, consumers paid monthly fees to companies for their home phone service and the devices themselves. But as the 1980s dawned, a quiet revolution began. People across the nation broke with tradition and bought their own phones.
The shift was not only practical but also a bold statement of individuality and style. Though most chose to buy sleek and simple phones, there were other, braver choices.
Mickey Mouse and Snoopy were popular options. For the more avant-garde, there were designer phones in all shapes and sizes. Some were cordless. There was even a phone covered in leather.
WATCH the video to see this retro tech in all its glory. You won’t believe how much some of them cost!
If you liked this story, here are a few more blasts from the past.
Retro Find: Remember these car cell phones from the 1980s?
Though it wasn’t hands-free, one of the first cellular car phones debuted in the U.S. in 1985.
What 1985 got right, wrong about ‘talking machines’ in 2023
A reporter in 1985 explored what “talking machines” might look like in the future. Many of the predictions were eerily accurate.
WATCH: Teens decode slang from 2001 like ‘tight,’ ‘oasis’
Do you feel me? Bling blinging? One of our reporters enlisted the help of some “super hip” high school seniors to help decode the cryptic slang of 2001.
[ad_2]
Source_link
