This year's MacBook Pros with M4 are a BIG leap forward

The base M4 model is now a good buy. It comes with 16GB of standard, no need to upgrade. You get better external display support and a useful Thunderbolt port on the right side

The M4 Pro models are now MUCH faster than the prior models. Cores are faster, Memory is faster, and the mix of cores have changed. A higher number of performance cores vs efficient cores. Also all models now start at 24 GB of memory, which is enough for most. Plus you get Thunderbolt 5, brighter displays, and the option of a Nanotexture display

The M4 Max models may not look that much better on paper but in real world use for high end professional tasks they are significantly faster. These laptops out pace even the most expensive huge and heavy Windows gaming laptops.

Students, or those with basic Home or Office needs get an M4 base model

Programmers get an M4 Pro model. If you can't afford it an M4 Base model is fine

Data Scientists  an M4 Max model is ideal, but if you can't afford that an M4 Pro model is fine.

Audio Engineers get an M4 Pro model

Video Editors get an M4 Max model, if you can't afford it an M4 Pro model is fine

Graphic Artists and Photographers an M4 Pro model is ideal

3D Artists get an M4 Max model, if you can't afford it the M4 Pro 14 core model

Additional sales prices may be obtained by joining Best Buy's membership program