October 18, 1954
Texas Instruments and IDEA Corporation introduce the TR-1 Regency transistor radio. This marked the first consumer use of transistors, previously only used in industrial and military applications. The pocket-sized radio sold for $49.95 (that’s over $580 today, adjusted for inflation) and operated on a 22.5 volt battery that would set you back an additional $1.15. About 150,000 units were sold. Today, the TR-1’s that have survived can fetch up to $800 on eBay, as they have become a true collectors item.
