Everything from 1991 Radio Shack Ad I Now Do with My Phone Author: Steve Cichon Published: January 14, 2014 Category: Uncle Steve's Buffalo --- Steve Cichon reflects on a 1991 Radio Shack advertisement featured on the back page of the Buffalo News front section dated February 16, 1991. The ad showcased 15 electronic gadgets, most of which he now replaces with functions on his iPhone, illustrating how technology has dramatically evolved over two decades. Context The ad was discovered in a stack of Buffalo News papers from early 1991, amid the First Gulf War. The Buffalo Bills were heading to their first ever Super Bowl, evidenced by hopeful local ads. A significant portion of the newspaper's back front page was taken up by this Radio Shack ad selling various electronics. Items from the 1991 Radio Shack Ad Replaced by iPhone Steve lists 13 out of the 15 items now essentially replaced by one multifunctional device — his iPhone. | Item (1991 Price) | Replacement on iPhone | |------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | All weather personal stereo ($11.88) | iPhone with OtterBox case | | AM/FM clock radio ($13.88) | iPhone's clock and radio apps | | In-ear stereo phones ($7.88) | Included with iPhone | | Microthin calculator ($4.88) | iPhone calculator app | | Tandy 1000 TL/3 computer ($1,599) | iPhone for games and word processing | | VHS camcorder ($799) | iPhone video camera | | Mobile cellular telephone ($199) | Obvious iPhone function | | Mobile CB radio ($49.95) | iPhone communication apps | | 20-memory speed-dial phone ($29.95) | Contacts and speed dial on iPhone | | Deluxe portable CD player ($159.95) | iPhone music player | | 10-channel desktop scanner ($99.55) | Scanner app; still physically owns scanner | | Easiest-to-use phone answerer ($49.95) | iPhone voicemail | | Handheld cassette tape recorder ($29.95) | Voice Memo app | Plus a bonus note: The ad instructed customers to check the phone book for stores, now largely obsolete with smartphones. Items Not Replaced by the iPhone Tiny dual-superhet radar detector ($79.95) Though some apps like Waze provide related functions (comments mention radar detector apps and police alerts). 3-way speaker with 15" woofer ($149.95) The iPhone speaker is good for its size but does not replicate the power of a huge woofer. Cost and Inflation Total price in 1991 for these items: $3,054.82 Equivalent to approximately $5,100 in 2012 dollars. Commentary and Observations The article emphasizes how compact, multifunctional, and powerful modern smartphones are compared to past electronics. It illustrates technological progress making many standalone devices obsolete. Readers commented on aspects like replacing radar detectors with apps (e.g., Waze, Trapster), differences between CB radios and cell phones, and Apple's impact on Radio Shack's market position. Debate about some items like AM/FM radio presence on iPhone or CB radio function replacement occurs. The post is a nostalgic and insightful look at local Buffalo history and consumer technology change. About the Author Steve Cichon is a Buffalo storyteller and historian who writes about Buffalo's past, present, and future. He is the founder of Buffalo Stories LLC and has authored the book Gimme Jimmy! The James D. Griffin Story. Contact: steve@buffalostories.com | Twitter | Facebook --- Related Posts [The Public Record