I know it's sad, but how many would change his/her job because the one you are working for couldn't even get this right? I mean this is like the basic needs right?
My group needs to write some iOS apps so I bought my own Mac Air. I needed a new laptop anyway, and the fact is, I would rather get up to speed with iOS on my own time and get the projects, than see them hire a contractor to do it. My company Dell is an obsolete brick anyway and I'm tired of carrying it around.<p>It's all about investing in one's professional development. I don't expect this company to coddle me and give me toys whenever I beg for one. I just needed a great laptop, they pay me well, they let me work from home 100% of the time, so this is how I give back and keep myself relevant and valuable to the team.
I wouldn't, but that's because Cloudspace gives everyone a choice of Apple hardware, since that's generally the best choice for development work. If someone wants a ThinkPad that badly, I bet they could have one :D<p>That being said, if your company is asking you to do work and isn't giving you the right tools or support, maybe that should raise eyebrows. It's not about the laptop, it's about supporting employees in their efforts to Get Shit Done.