[Paul_Heery]

I know there are quite a few seasoned Mac users here and I am hoping to tap into the knowledge of this group.

For years I have eschewed Windows and MacOS systems. First, it was in favor of using a Debian-based Linux laptop, then moved to a Chromebook for its light weight and portability. Now, most of the systems/applications that I use are either in a cloud or accessible via VPN.

However, there is one application that I use on a daily basis which is Windows-based that I can’t get around, Microsoft Project. When not in my home office, this occasionally forces me to remove my HP Probook from its docking station and lug this extremely heavy device with me. MS Project would be the only application that I may need to run in a VM. Some may say, “just get a new Windows laptop”. But, I like the flexibility of having a Macbook as I can easily run the native operating system plus occasionally fire up a VM for Windows and possibly a Linux VM on rare occasions.

So, I am now considering moving to a 2020 Macbook (or 2020 Macbook Pro which should be announced soon). For virtualization purposes, I am considering Parallels or VMware Fusion. Actually leaning towards Parallels.

So, the questions that I need some guidance on:

Which Macbook? I would go with an i5 processor with 16GB RAM. Even the 2020 Macbook Air meets the minimum specs. The new 2020 Macbook Pro laptops have nice rumored specs, but I am unsure if the bump in cost would be worth it for me.

Parallels or Fusion?

Thanks in advance for any input and guidance.