I have a Realistic™ tape recorder specially designed for computer use (it's exactly the same as any other except it lacks a built-in microphone). I've used it with varying results on my Apple IIs.
Back in the day, I recall the agony of loading and saving programs on my brother's TRS-80. I think the fact that it wouldn't reliably save my colour bar demo programs was one of the reasons I spent the next 15 years avoiding computers at all costs.