I am ALL software. I have no hardware synths samples or beat machines, just midi controllers. But I usually create my own synth patches. I use Ableton Live's Simpler and Kontakt as my sound manipulation tools. So basically I sample any and everything that makes a noise to my M-Audio Microtrack, load the samples into the computer, and make my own virtual instruments. Or I will sample my own guitars and create new virtual instruments from them. It gives my music it's own unique sound.
But.....I do have the Minimoog V, CS-80v, and Xpandi when I want something more "stock" sounding. And when I want REAL sounding instruments I have a few really good piano (Ivory and Bosendorfer Imperial Grand) and string libraries (EWQLSO Gold).