Here at work, my wife uses a Cathay CC-311 tape recorder, and I use a Mattel Aquarius data recorder.
The Cathay is good, but can be a bit particular about volume control sometimes - but it's a good reliable tape-turner.
The Aquarius data recorder is simply awesome. I have one at home too (along with a Toshiba MSX recorder for the rare tapes it doesn't like). It loads almost everything first go - including ZX81 games when I connect it to my ZX81. I've never had a more reliable tape deck. It's a rebadged one (can't remember the other make), so you can get it without the Aquarius logo too - I presume the other make is just as good. The only problem is the lack of a volume control... but I've not needed it!
I am not really sure that it really matters to be honest as long as it does the job,in the past i have used old cheap hi-fi`s and all sorts but at the moment i use an old Sony walkman which has been quite faithful needing nothing more than the occasional tape head clean, i also use it to load Starship Command on my Acorn Electron. :)
My Cousin had one of those - it was a brilliant piece of kit. It would load pretty much anything. I've got a slightly smaller WHSmith Datacorder which my Father originally bought for the ZX81 he built. So I'd definitely say that the WHSmith units were pretty good.
I also have a Philips Datacorder which still works pretty well.
I have two of them. They're fine for loading but for some reason it just doesn't save. I even bought another one for parts - that didn't save either. I mean, it saved, but not well enough to reload. Very weird. Otherwise, a good tape deck.
Comments
The Cathay is good, but can be a bit particular about volume control sometimes - but it's a good reliable tape-turner.
The Aquarius data recorder is simply awesome. I have one at home too (along with a Toshiba MSX recorder for the rare tapes it doesn't like). It loads almost everything first go - including ZX81 games when I connect it to my ZX81. I've never had a more reliable tape deck. It's a rebadged one (can't remember the other make), so you can get it without the Aquarius logo too - I presume the other make is just as good. The only problem is the lack of a volume control... but I've not needed it!
Yeah, just make sure it works, that usually help 8-!
Theres mine, a proper workhorse, loads pretty much anything I can throw at it!
ooh I like that.
+1
I have one of these as well as a Ferguson unit that looks very similar.
I also have a Philips Datacorder which still works pretty well.
I have one WH Smith too. Extremely recommended!
I have two of them. They're fine for loading but for some reason it just doesn't save. I even bought another one for parts - that didn't save either. I mean, it saved, but not well enough to reload. Very weird. Otherwise, a good tape deck.