I Want To Be A Writer, So What Do I Need?
It helps if you learn the basics first. A subscription to a magazine such as Writer's Digest can really help. Writer's Digest has taught me a lot. It has columns on writing fiction, poetry, and non-fiction, plus lots of other useful articles. Check out my reviews of some books for writers. Many of them are worth buying.
A desktop computer is helpful, although not absolutely necessary. I personally use my desktop when I can, but I do have a laptop computer for when I have to be in other rooms of my house (like when the kids need supervision). Some people swear by the AlphaSmart as an alternative to a laptop computer.
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Really, for a writer, one needs only the most basic computer, word processing software and maybe some business and office software (to use when you have to start keeping up with submissions--excel is great for this!--and create a database for marketing efforts). In fact, the fastest, most expensive computer will probably just be a waste of money. I use a two year old compaq desktop, and I don't have any plans to purchase a better computer anytime soon. It has everything I need.
Pen (or pencil) and paper are essential. Truly. Even if you do all of your writing on a computer or other word processor, you need somewhere to jot down notes when you don't have your computer available.
I don't yet have a laser printer, but I'm telling you as soon as I get the money, I will. Any serious writer eventually needs a laser printer. The best thing to do is to cough up the extra right away and get one, so you don't have to pay twice for a printer. The only exception to this is if you want color. Then get a good inkjet printer. Color laser printers cost too much for most writers. (Last time I checked the price was around $1,999. Whew!)
This is the one I'm interested in, mainly because of cost: Brother HL-1440 Laser Printer, (It's cheap--oh, excuse me--inexpensive.)
Update: I ended up buying an HP laser printer because I found it cheap--whoops, inexpensive--at Office Depot. :) And since money always seems to be an issue...
