[mattwritescode]

Personally I would not mind using my own machine. I think your choice of computer is a personal thing. Some like smaller more portable other like the bigger (as we all know bigger is better).

I would prefer being given $500 and being told get yourself the equipment you need be it a chair, desk, keyboard, mouse. Whet ever is going to make your life the easiest.

There is no point in having a lovely laptop if you get back troubles because your desk and chair are not up to the job.