Long and medium wave radio. To most people in the 1960s, 'transistor' meant a little portable radio, rather than the revolutionary device inside. It was more the low power consumption than the small size of the transistor that made it possible to carry it around. Small portables had already been made using valves, but their batteries were either too heavy or ran out quickly, making them expensive to use. The use of transistors led to miniature radios at affordable prices. Sound broadcasts could now be listened to anywhere.