For a snapshot of 1989 consumer prices, this ad for Sun Television and Appliance appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on September 29, 1989. The lowest price color television was a 13-inch off brand for $137. That works out to $370 in 2026 dollars.

By way of comparison, check out this 12-inch portable digital television at Amazon.  There’s been a lot of inflation over the years, but electronics are one area where the prices have come way down.

This is vividly shown by the least expensive 1989 camcorder, which sold for $687, or $1855 in 2026 dollars. Chances are, you have a much better video camera in your pocket right now. You might have paid a lot of money for that phone, possibly to make sure it had the best camera. But if you got the free loss-leader phone from your cell provider, it’s probably still better than the 1989 version.  But if you want to compare for yourself, they’re always available on eBay at a reasonable price, in various states of repair.

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