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]"?

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.
