“Me & My TRS-80”: Kids And Their Computers In The 1980s – Design You Trust — Design Daily Since 2007

“Me & My TRS-80”: Kids And Their Computers In The 1980s

I don’t know about you, but nothing warms my heart more than the sight of a photograph of kid at a personal computer in the 1980s. A pleasant whiff of nostalgia mixed with interesting paleo-technology, makes for a great image. Let’s have a look at a handful of images of kids and families as history was being made: when computers first entered our schools and homes…

On the old Radio Shack display: “Marvin couldn’t understand Earth people very well. That’s why Marvin came to me. He knew that I was Computer Charlie. He knew that I was one of the biggest brains around.”

h/t: flashbak

From Kilobaud Microcomputing magazine, 1979.

(L) From a 1981 Radio Shack catalog, (R) from a 1988 issue of Računari.

From a 1988 Radio Shack catalog.

1987 Teenagers who could really have used wireless keyboards.

I can’t quite tell what this boy is doing on the computer – I just know he’s loving every minute of it.

(L) From the cover of the Apple II reference manual, (R) This kid is “EXCITED!” by his school’s new TRS-80.

From the 1983 book: How to Feel at Home with a Home Computer.

From New York magazine, January 1984.

Radio Shack 1981.

Run magazine, March 1985.

From Family Computing magazine, October 1983.


From the cover of Kilobaud Microcomputing magazine, June 1980.

From the cover of The Home Computer Course 5: Mastering Your Home Computer in 24 Weeks.

From the book, Living with Computers by Patrick G. Mckeown.

From the cover of Creative Computing magazine, March 1980.

TRS-80 Microcomputer News, July 1983.

Detail from a 1985 Datasouth advertisement.

From Family Computing magazine, September 1983.

Detail from a 1985 Tandy 1000 advertisement.


Ad from Family Computing magazine, September 1983.

If you want more awesome content, subscribe to 'Design You Trust Facebook page. You won't be disappointed.

More Inspiring Stories

Fantastic Detailed 3D & VR Paintings and Sculptures by Giant Swan
1959 Cadillac Cyclone Concept, An Indication Of The United States Obsession With Jet Design And Aerodynamics
Innovative Virtual Shop
Incredible Photos of America's Malls In The 1980s
Chinese Segway
Motor Coach and Yacht! Terra Wind's Luxurious Amphibious Vehicle
This Couple Invites Brown Bear Along To Their Very Special Ceremony
"Elvira, Mistress Of The Dark": Stunning Photos of Cassandra Peterson in the 1980s
Soviet Fashion: Style Pages From 1980s U.S.S.R.
Over 90 Million Plastic Balls To Protect The City Of Los Angeles
"View from the Top": A Historical Look at The Beautiful Stewardesses of The 1960s-1980s
One Of The Oldest Diving Suits In Existence - Called Wanha Herra
1969 Buick Century Cruiser: The Concept Car That Believed You Only Live Twice
This Japanese Machine Gun Camera Was Used In World War II
Retired Ladies Live Their Dreamlife In A Cosy Forest House Designed By A Japanese Architect
The Jeep Wrangler Based G. Patton Tomahawk 6x6 Is What Nightmares Are Made Of
Two Pet Lovers Had Rescue Kittens At Their Wedding And The Photos Are Adorable
Instagram Duo Travels The World Snapping Locations From Their Favourite Series
Lovely Photos of Halloween Costumes For Kids in the 1960-80s
Portraits of Lovely Ladies Featured on the Covers of Radio Control Modeler Magazines From the 1970s and 1980s
The Biggest Anamorphic Illusion In The World Has Been Successfully Revealed On The Largest Outdoor Advertising Screen In South Korea
1939 Pontiac Plexiglas "Ghost Car": The First Full-Sized "See-Thru" Car Ever Made In America
This Art Collective Creates Concepts That Have Emerged From The Coronavirus Pandemic
This Restaurant Changes Their Hilarious Sign Every Day