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

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. All models now start at 24 GB of memory, which is enough for most users. 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 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 Pro model

Programmers get an M4 Pro model

- Data Scientists and 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