I would think so! Some people have special computing needs that make certain hardware more suited to them, or offering the features that allow them to be productive.

Instead of setting standard hardware and hoping that results in productivity, why not set standard productivity and let people use whatever hardware they need to reach that level of excellence you expect?

Personally I have made use of iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems to get work done, I've used Macbooks, iMacs, windows laptops, tablets and phones.

I can't imagine how I could have output so much work if I was only working from a hardware setup somebody else had chosen in advance for me (somebody not me, and not solving the problems I work on).

I guess the bigger question is: do you care more about getting work done, or cute matching laptops. For me, the choice is: getting work done.

From what point of view?

Let's see money first, as usually that's what companies do. In this case, as an employer, I don't have to spend a boatload of money to by expensive electronic equipment to my staff. Clearly a win, right? Well…

But there is also a security side, and its implications. When I provide equipment, I do so so only I have total control over it. This might sound bad, like I want to spy on my employees, but it's not the case. I want to make sure their computers, and probably company phone, only have software from trusted sources installed. I keep those software up to date to have all the security features. Thus, when you work from home (for which I also provide secure means like a strong VPNQ), I can be sure attackers won't get our company data through your infected home computer or router.

However, if I look from the employee's point of view, the first one is obviously more convenient (given that they have their own stuff, of course). I don't have to wait for the IT department to install new software, I can even install some games, and so ON. But I guess, again, you can see the security problems here.

There is a solution I saw several times: I have my own notebook, and my employer installs a second OS on it on an encrypted partition. Although it might present some driver problems, it seems to work fine in those cases.

It might be ideal for company's to allow its staff to use their personal computer at work, if they are have all lose ends tied up. At the end, I feel it's the companies role that whether or not they should do this.

Let's answer the question why this happens? Why does someone want their personal laptop at their offices?

The answer is pretty simple, they are comfortable with their own systems. Maybe they are developing such sort of work that require a given hardware, if that's not available at the company, people do turn to their own personal computers.

It has happened with me as well. I use a Mac and design stuff and my office provided me with a Windows PC. And as I feel, Mac is better for my workflow as well has better web development tools than their Windows counterpart. And therefore I started using my Mac device at work for all my dev needs.

This can happen with you as well and therefore you might think it's a good idea to use your own device at office.

Therefore, ending it, I would say that companies should try and let people select their own hardware of choice rather than giving them a standard device.

Most of the companies don't allow personal computers and other storage devices inside the premises. Mainly because of the security reasons. Some advantages that I can think of now are:

• Controlling what softwares to be installed in the system
• Controlling code base access
• New employees generally feel happy to get a brand new system