At work, I was given a reasonably-spec'ed machine (dual quad 2GHz, 4GB RAM, 160GB 7200RPM drive, Win7), but it was lacking in a few places (HDD / RAM).  The IT staff was OK with me replacing hardware with my own, so now I'm sporting an SSD and an extra 8GB of RAM (so I can run multiple Visual Studios & virtual machines).  I realize it was the company's business decision to pick the machines they did, but at the same time faster hardware made me happier and more productive at work.I guess my question is, am I the only one (self-employs not withstanding :) who's willing to spend personal money on their work hardware for a better quality of life, and should I approach it in a different way?  Is it possible to retroactively say I think you should reimburse me for this $500 in hardware because [blah]?
Would you purchase hardware with your own money to use at work to do your job better?
performance;productivity;hardware
You spend 40% of your waking time at work.  Might as well make it pleasant.  I expect my employer to provide the tools I need, but anything I want to make it more pleasant I deem my own responsibility.  It's not like I'm donating it to the company.  I'm consuming it for my own personal enjoyment and will take it with me when I go.I know developers with their own chairs, keyboards, mice, software tools like editors, even one guy with a 40 monitor.  I've brought components from my junk drawer at home that my employer would pay for, just because I wasn't using it anyway and it was faster and more pleasant for me to avoid the procurement process.  I bet other people who balk at the idea of bringing their own computer hardware have improved their work environment in other ways at their own expense:  pictures, music, kleenex, snacks, plants, books, fans, lamps, eyeglasses, pens, smartphones, etc.