Yes? When this comic was made, they were common. Panasonic came out with their first compact recorder in 1967, and there was a booming business for them throughout the 70s. Lots of people had them. These compact types were probably thought of as somewhat novel in the early 70s, but were widely available by 1980. The reel to reel shown in the comic has been around a lot longer.
I’m speaking from personal experience. In 1982, when the comic was published, tape recorders were not considered a novelty, and had been in common usage for many years. The humor in the panel derives from the stereotype of a nerd and how the stereotypical nerd is supposed to sound.
Yes? When this comic was made, they were common. Panasonic came out with their first compact recorder in 1967, and there was a booming business for them throughout the 70s. Lots of people had them. These compact types were probably thought of as somewhat novel in the early 70s, but were widely available by 1980. The reel to reel shown in the comic has been around a lot longer.
Take a look at the copyright date on the comic. This was right at the time when tape recording, not just playback, devices were becoming common.
I’m speaking from personal experience. In 1982, when the comic was published, tape recorders were not considered a novelty, and had been in common usage for many years. The humor in the panel derives from the stereotype of a nerd and how the stereotypical nerd is supposed to sound.