The computers, electronic and especially HiFi gear were much more expensive back then. Check out old computer prices and then adjust them for inflation. For a r

The computers, electronic and especially HiFi gear were much more expensive back then. Check out old computer prices and then adjust them for inflation. For a real eye-catching number, express it as a percentage of the average annual American worker's income for that year. I think the other big difference is that stuff is less portable back then. Computers, hifi, and consumer electronics are plugged into a fixed location and they stay there for the lifetime of the product. That is not the case anymore, so specialized surge protection equipment, don't often make sense. You are not taking the surge protector to bed with your laptop. Or, you have an iPad.