Ram and computer Questions

[A1423]

Good Morning,

I had a problem with Anytrans and posted here. Then I posted about repurposing my old Mac for windows here. Which got me thinking, I am already based on my workload, pushed past the computer I am working on now 16gb M1 Pro(still in the return window) to 32gb of ram. Is that enough to install a couple of virtual machines(Windows and maybe Linux) with either Virtual Box or Parallels? My usual work load hits close to 14gb of ram, which is why I am going to get one with at least 32gb of ram. While I am very happy I don't have to get 64gb of ram for that program, I also don't want to eliminate the possibility of running a VM or two, nor do I want to go through this buy and return process again which I despise. I like buying slightly more computer than I will ever need, I feel like it gives me more longevity and allows for a better feel in the computer, longer. but I also don't necessarily want to buy a Lamborghini Aventador when a Porsche 911 turbo would do very nicely unless the dollars and cents make it worth while.

So here is my current use case. Please help me select a computer.
All open at the same time
Word
Excel
Outlook with multiple email addresses
Messages
Notes
Music or FaceTime though I don't quit music so I guess it is still technically open
Safari with multiple tabs.
AnyTrans a few times a month. I quit that after use, but I haven't closed other things in the past to use it, other than dealing with the issue posted above.

Potential future use case:

Same as above, with 1-2 virtual machines containing Windows and or Linux. This would be to keep up on Windows, and learn a new OS when not with the computer I am repurposing.

Thank you all for your time.

 

[maflynn]

Is that enough to install a couple of virtual machines(

16GB can run a VM, maybe not two at the same time, but I'd say if you're using Vms, 32GB would be a safe bet I can't speak for anytrans - don't know what that is, but the rest of the apps are not heavy duty and can easily run together with 16GB of ram. The Vms are what will push your ram utilization

 

[phrehdd]

I went from 2015 MBP with 512/16, to M1 Mini 512/16. It was not a good pay off. The 16 gigs and newer OS caused issues unlike before. As best I can see, we experienced similar frustrations with RAM. I later bit the bullet and opted for a Studio Max with 64 gigs RAM. I don't have VMs yet installed which I may do a bit later this year (1 Win and 1 Linux distro).

In the M world, what I learned is that the most expensive Mac is not the best for most, and that memory management is non-existent with MacOS for the most part, and Apple seems to want to push us to upgrade to a new system every 2-3 years rather than build for longevity and upgradability.

If I were to get a laptop at this time, I would consider less than 32 gigs and be careful of what I have open at any given time. Rather have less open that works well than a bunch of swapping and pauses.