Macbook Pro Chip/Processing and RAM (unified memory) for a specific scenario

The recent change to how Apple does selection for online sales means the link you posted is the starting point for any Macbook Pro purchase. You have to select options like processor, storage, and RAM from those shown on the right side of the page.

Start from the top and don't skip steps. The next option is inactive until you deal with the one above it, even if only to select "no thanks" ot the default. I skipped the nanotexture display when I orderd my M4 Pro Macbook Pro last years, applying that mony to bigger storage.

The 2025 M5 14 benchmarks about 13% slower than the base 2024 M4 Pro Macbook Pro 14. These are from the Mactracker database, free in the Mac Appl Store:

Like Grant, I must suspect that your issues with Teams and Zoom could well be the VPN. If Global Connect VPN came as a components of your non-profit's server software package, it should not be an issue. If an aftermarket "coffee-shop" client-side VPN, that's different.

I recommend talking to MS Teams support and Zoom support for another opinion or two.

For any new Mac, regardless of processor option, you must remember to order the RAM and storage you may need in 2-4 years NOW. Nothing in a Macbook Pro is upgradable after the computer starts down the assembly line. I don't order anything anymore with less than a 1TB SSD. App bloat gets worse every year.

None of the things you have described will run perceptibly differently on a higher spec Mac.

If you can not run all that stuff at once, it is NOT likely due to lack or processing power or limited RAM memory.

An M1 with 16 GB should be enough to do those tasks, possibly more slowly than you would like.

VPN:

A virtual private network, or VPN, is a private connection over the Internet from a device to a specific network.  VPN technology is widely used in corporate environments. If you need to be "present" on an institutional network, a VPN is a great tool for accomplishing this. It is generally issued and controlled by the institution.

Almost all other uses are a SCAM. There is generally no need for you to have a private (and almost always MUCH slower) connection to a VPN vendor's Network, except to make it easier for them to harvest your data to sell. If you are behind a Router you control or Trust, there is NO security advantage whatsoever in using a VPN. Your connections are already encrypted in most cases.

If VPN vendors just stopped there, it would be bad. But many of these packages also insist on scanning all your files, non-stop, -- nominally looking for viruses, but who knows for sure what data they are harvesting. Their non-stop file reading punishes your computer's performance in the process.

Some also break into your other secure connections so they can be FIRST to examine your data, often leaving your Mac MORE vulnerable to attack.

What VPN service to use? DON'T use VPN services

https://gist.github.com/joepie91/5a9909939e6ce7d09e29

the current m5 MacBook Pro was released in 2025. depends on how much power you like, but I think you should get the m5 if you want newer CPU. for ram, 36 is the best option. and as for processing power, choose 14/20. hope this helps.

gnosislibrarian wrote:

I am thinking about upgrading to the latest Macbook Pro, but spec'ing feels difficult.

Buy MacBook Pro - Apple

What year/model is this? 2025 or 6? Is there a way of determining?

[...]

The 16-inch MBP w M4 Pro or M4 Max was released in 2024.

The 14-inch MBP with M4, M4 Pro or M4 Max was released in 2024.

The 14-inch model with the M5 chip was release in October of 2025.

There have been no new MBP releases in 2026.

Once a Mac model has been superseded with a new model, Apple discontinues the sale of older models on their website and at the Apple Store.

My source is the Mactracker app. I'm unable to confirm with a link to an Apple document just now.

Nobody knows when they release new devices except Apple guys, though they would release or announce new Apple products at next WWDC.