Text editing? Graphic editing? Photo editing? Video editing? Gene editing? 🤪
M1 and M2 models support two display screens maximum, one of which is always the internal display.
M1 Pro, Max, and Ultra support up to four displays, one of which is always the internal.
In general…
Pro models optimize for performance, features, cooling, and capabilities. Usually more ports/connections, etc.
Air models optimize for size and weight. Usually with fewer connections, etc.
Apple silicon cannot (presently?) run a supported version of Microsoft Windows; Microsoft isn’t (yet?) offering that for sale.
Five to seven years is fairly typical for a Mac computer. You will want to buy enough storage and memory for the lifetime of the Mac, as neither can be increased after the Mac ships. macOS and apps and usage of storage and memory all tend to increase in size and requirements, too. Low-end configurations are best avoided when aiming for longer-term usage.
I wouldn't go below 16 GB memory minimally here, and if you’re looking at video editing or other heavy app usage, I’d go larger than that. Go for more storage than you think you need, too. We (most of us) only expand our usage.
Budget for at least a 4 to 6 TB hard disk drive for your backups (two to three times your internal storage, or more), or a NAS with Time Machine support if you have the budget for that and want wireless backups. (Backups are one of the very few ways to indicate that data has value.) Consider acquiring a carrying case, maybe an external keyboard and mouse, and maybe an external display, etc,
And yes, I too would suggest looking at the available Mac models yourself in an Apple Store or Apple reseller.
PS: I’d also consider whether you’ll be using the Mac mobile (as a mobile), or if a Studio or mini desktop and an iPad Pro might meet your requirements. I’ve worked with a number of folks that bought themselves a laptop—with laptop features compromises and with laptop pricing—and then only used it—uncomfortably—as a fixed-location desktop. A desktop and an iPad might even be cheaper.