More money spent = Better work conditions?

[Deathdart]

Hey,
I use a low end HP laptop, an 800dpi logitech mouse and an Intuos 3 for my work. And the thing is that I'm perfectly fine with the way these tools enable me to work. My question is, do the top of the line, expensive counterparts make enough of a difference to justify the price for us designers? I'm talking about 30" Apple Cinema HD displays and PCs/laptops, Razer mice, Optimus Tactus/Maximus keyboards, etc.

What do you think?

[_Redrum]

Some of that stuff is useful, but some of it is just for fun

I, for example, have a 20" widescreen monitor on my desktop. It's not that huge compared to what others may have, but nonetheless I already have experienced a much more comfortable working environment due to the increased screen real-estate. The argument for multiple monitors is roughly the same.

I also have a graphics tablet, but it's just an old(ish) Graphire. While I don't have any issues with it, I can't help but realize that a few extra buttons and maybe a screen display would help me get work done more accurately, efficiently, and at the same time provide more versatility.

As far as computer systems go, I could always use some more RAM. Processors are fast enough these days that it really doesn't make a huge difference whether you have a single CPU, dual core, quad core, etc unless you're using some really heavy duty programs (3D, drafting and the likes).

So, do you absolutely need that stuff if all your current devices work just fine? Not really, or at least not yet. Are you just as well off without all the fancy gadgets? Probably not; some of them do have their benefits.

[entz]

Personally, i think those top of the line stuff is just here to make you feel good. And when you feel good, you work better. But they are not a must. I'm using an hp laptop as well. It's good enough to do everything. But if i had to buy new tool/mac/pc, i will go for the fastest with lots of rams

[Chung Dha]

I got a tablet pc with 2gig ram and a old tft 15 inch screen.

Best stuff to do is buy 2 screens instead of 1 big one. I found 2 screen working with flash or 3d max and doing other stuff very helpfull. Also easy when you are doing research you have internet browser on one screen and words on the other. Instead of minimizing the screens all the time.

A few back up 2.5 inch external drives are helpfull too. That way you won't loose any work and also keep them wit you all the time.

Most stuff are kind off pimped up products. You don't need a tv sized screen , mouses that react better but you won't feel much difference. Better spend the money to keep the speed of them up to date and allot of back up memories so you won't loose any work. This week I saw 1 terra byte external memory that is really too much to fill and too big to carry.

[Deathdart]

One of the top-of-the-line (or rather expensive) things I find very useful is a PDA phone. I have an SE P1i with GPRS enabled and it is really convenient to use it to email clients and chat with them on the go. It's good for doing quick doodles for potential clients. It is also an essential device if you need to organise your day's events. It is much better to have a phone with a touchscreen for all these purposes than one without.

Any such other devices that you feel are really helpful even though they might be costly?