1981 Computing & Technology Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1981 Computing & Technology Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 14 Jan FDA approves extended wear contact lenses: On January 14, 1981, the FDA approved contact lenses that could be worn continuously for up to two weeks without removal. These lenses, made from high water content materials, allowed more oxygen to reach the cornea, enabling overnight wear. Previously, contact lens users were required to remove their lenses at night. The approval marked a significant advancement in contact lens technology. source: upi.com
- 08 Feb IBM launches the personal computer: On February 8, 1981, IBM introduced its first personal computer, the IBM PC, which revolutionized the computing industry. This launch marked a significant shift towards personal computing, making technology more accessible to individuals and small businesses. The IBM PC set standards for hardware and software that are still influential today. source: britannica.com
- 26 Feb French TGV sets speed record: On February 26, 1981, the French TGV Sud-Est trainset number 16 achieved a world rail speed record of 380 km/h (236 mph) during a test run along the future Paris-Lyon high-speed line. This milestone demonstrated the TGV's potential for high-speed travel, with commercial service commencing later that year. source: theguardian.com
- 03 Apr Osborne 1: First Successful Portable Computer: On April 3, 1981, Osborne Computer Corporation introduced the Osborne 1, the first commercially successful portable computer. Weighing 24.5 pounds and priced at $1,795, it featured a 5-inch monochrome CRT display, dual 5¼-inch floppy disk drives, and ran the CP/M 2.2 operating system. Its design was inspired by the Xerox NoteTaker prototype from 1976. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 18 Apr Audrey Tang: Taiwanese Tech Innovator: Audrey Tang, born on April 18, 1981, in Taipei, Taiwan, is a renowned software developer and politician. She became Taiwan's first Digital Minister in 2016, known for her contributions to open-source software and digital democracy initiatives.
- 26 Apr First successful human open fetal surgery performed at UCSF: On April 26, 1981, Dr. Michael Harrison and his team at the University of California, San Francisco, performed the first successful human open fetal surgery. The procedure involved placing a catheter into the bladder of a fetus with a urinary tract obstruction, allowing urine to drain normally and preventing kidney damage. This groundbreaking surgery marked a significant advancement in prenatal care. source: embryo.asu.edu
- 27 Apr Xerox Star Information System launched: On April 27, 1981, Xerox Corporation introduced the Xerox 8010 Star Information System, a pioneering personal computer designed for business professionals. It featured a bitmapped display, a graphical user interface with icons and folders, and Ethernet networking, marking a significant advancement in office computing. source: britannica.com
- 01 May Radio Shack Releases Model III TRSDOS: Radio Shack launched the Model III TRSDOS 1.3, a significant software release for their popular TRS-80 microcomputer series, contributing to the early personal computing revolution.
- 19 Jun Boeing Chinook Helicopter Certification: Boeing received certification for its commercial Chinook 2-rotor helicopter, a significant achievement in aviation engineering. The Chinook, known for its versatility and heavy-lifting capabilities, would become a crucial military and civilian transport aircraft.
- 01 Jul Radio Shack Model III TRSDOS 1.3 Release: Radio Shack released the third version of its Model III Disk Operating System (TRSDOS 1.3), an important software update for one of the early personal computer systems of the early 1980s.
- 07 Jul Solar Challenger crosses English Channel: On July 7, 1981, the Solar Challenger, a solar-powered aircraft designed by Paul MacCready, successfully flew across the English Channel. Piloted by Stephen Ptacek, the aircraft covered the 163-mile distance from Pontoise-Cormeilles Aerodrome near Paris, France, to Manston Royal Air Force Base in Kent, UK, in 5 hours and 23 minutes. This marked the first time a solar-powered aircraft completed such a flight. source: si.edu
- 11 Aug IBM launches the first personal computer: On August 11, 1981, IBM introduced its first personal computer, the IBM PC, which revolutionized the computing industry. This launch marked a significant shift towards personal computing, making technology more accessible to individuals and small businesses. The IBM PC set standards for hardware and software that are still influential today. source: britannica.com
- 12 Aug IBM Personal Computer Model 5150 released: The IBM Personal Computer Model 5150 was officially released on August 12, 1981. This model marked IBM's entry into the personal computer market and set the standard for PC architecture. It featured an Intel 8088 processor and was notable for its open architecture, which allowed third-party developers to create compatible hardware and software. source: britannica.com
- 19 Oct Nobel Prize in Physics awarded for laser spectroscopy: In 1981, the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Nicolaas Bloembergen and Arthur L. Schawlow for their contributions to the development of laser spectroscopy. Their work advanced the understanding of atomic and molecular properties through laser light interactions. The prize was shared with Kai M. Siegbahn for his development of high-resolution electron spectroscopy. source: nobelprize.org
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