> That has more to do with gaming than with software engineering, doesn’t it.

I do use them for personal SW projects as well.

> That sounds fine,

Certainly, there's nothing "wrong" with that, but it does lead to specific scenarios, especially in cases of layoffs, where one could be in a position to not have a job or a computer to use for maintaining resumes, taking virtual interviews, etc. When I was laid off in 2022, there were several people that were panicking about that very fact.

You can get a very cheap chromebook for all that if there’s a need. I own my laptop, but have had friends who went through layoffs and just grabbed a cheap one to find a new job.

It doesn’t make sense to own a laptop unless you will regularly use it. Quite a lot of people I know, just don’t really use one outside of their work commitments. So your home hardware sits and collects dust.

I built my first computer when the “turbo” button was still a thing, and have probably built dozens more (for family, friends, and myself) in the ensuing three decades. These days I do the bulk of my non-work computing on an iPad with a Magic Keyboard, only pulling out the laptop when I need Fusion 360. If I get back into gaming I can see picking up a nice laptop, but for me the need or desire to own a desktop has passed.

Pretty much the same. I know in these circles we hate the fact that supermajority of people do their daily stuff on their phones, but it is what it is.

So what, they “get off” using their employer’s laptop as well?