In my opinion of all of this whole computer technology evolving. Look at the grand scheme of things, and you will see that technology now is not that much different than from the 80s. And look at the 60s, its better now, but still much different. All were in, is another "industrial revolution" if you will. They invented the microprocessor, and it has been expanded into what we know of today. They have had pretty much all the hardware we have in the 80s, just a bit more powerful, and a little more efficient.
However, the major difference between now and the 80s, is that the computer has been way more commercialized. Eventually this whole computer revolution will slow down. You won't have to upgrade your computer every few years, and it will be a more worthwhile investment. As for now, I don't see it slowing down too much any time soon.
The major technological breakthroughs are people who take the technology that exists today, and commercialize it.