must have input devices

I wouldn't call anything beyond the basics a 'must-have'

Keyboard and mouse are alright, a controller of some sort is often better if the demo you're using supports it because it's smaller, simpler with fewer buttons, and self-contained. Some demos take advantage of positional tracking devices like the Razer Hydra or its successor the Stem system, but I wouldn't call that an absolute necessity.

went ahead and ordered the stem system. By must have i didn't mean minimum, I meant kick @$$ stuff that really put the cool factor through the roof. What else?

An omni-treadmill of some sort can improve the experience, allowing you motion of your legs to induce walking, which could help reduce motion sickness further and increase immersion. The two leading options to my knowledge at this point are the Virtuix Omni from here in the US, and the Cyberith Virtualizer currently on Kickstarter from Europe.

Going even beyond the Stem system, though possibly with fewer future games with built-in support due to the added complexity are full-body capture suits, like PrioVR and Perception Neuron, the latter currently in a kickstarter as well.

Maybe a gun controller if you're planning on doing a lot of shooters.

Just remember that right now the input device market is so crazy you're just as likely to find yourself with a $500+ piece of hardware with zero support in 12 months than as not.
Other than STEM (which due to backwards compatibility with the Hydra will almost certainly stay relevant, barring any interference from an official Oculus controller), I'd say hold off for now and spend that money on a better PC.

I just picked up VoiceAttack for $8.00; with just getting the OS related stuff in, it's pretty sweet. Def a must have if you won't be able to see the keyboard (voice-map everything, literally)

For hardware, I would recommend a set of good wireless headphones. I got the PLYR1 headset, and while it is good and comfortable, the main issue is that it turns off after a minute of "no sound".. annoying, very annoying.

You will also need a game controller / gamepad, at a very minimum. For other hardware, well, it depends on the games/genres you want to play:

For example, if you plan on getting (really deep) into Elite Dangerous, then here is my list:

- Saitek X-55 Rhino HOTAS
- Saitek PZ35 Pro Flight Rudder Pedals

If I really get into the genre, I might also get a flight sim chair similar to the obutto r3volution flight sim chair with some of the accessories.. maybe. Benefit of that chair is that it has a triple-monitor mount accessory and a "keyboard/mouse acryllic desk" accessory; so it might be wise to get it just as a computer desk :lol:

As far as "MoCap" controllers (STEM, PrioVR, ControlVR, etc..); hold off if you're only using them at a consumer level.

I got the omni too. I sit all day, so I need some excercise. I think rift plus stem with be the real revolution. we have eyes but now we need hands. I am REALLY looking forward to developing worlds in world. That is the way to do it.

i'm with some of the others here that point out that a lot of these devices are still in their infancy and there may be limited support in the future.

there are a few good ones out there. right now, i'm experimenting with the leap and the oculus and i use a game-pad to play games a lot.

i'd wait a little while. wait until the bugs are sorted out with these devices and some larger, mainstream devices come onto the market.

keyboard & mouse
wireless gamepad (best 360 controller plus wireless adapter)
Hydra
Leap

that is pretty much where it ends at the moment, unless you want a controller without content

I have the leap motion now and that is well worth the low price to be able to have "hands in the game"

The Leap is great! and.....if you are an actually Developer, write them. I did, and they were more than happy to send us a Leap dev kit, so we can have cool Leap Motion controls for the Stargate game! But even still, it is WORTH the 80 bucks!! We will probably buy the ones for our other developers ;O)