Actually, I suspect that you and the author might be in agreement. Your "quality monitors and computers" would be considered "top notch" by many companies, not because they actually are, but because said companies don't care about treating their developers well. My home office is basically an Ikea Jerker desk, and an Aeron chair that I bought used on craigslist for $500 (CAD). I think most employers would consider that a top notch setup for a developer. :(