I will answer your questions on by one. 1. If you go for a medium-range Intel i5 or i7 CPU, you are getting a quite versatile CPU which will satisfy all your needs. If your workload includes hardcore video editing and image processing, then you will be better off with the AMD. Otherwise, nothing beats Intel. 2. For CPU chips, in terms of processing, AMD lags behind Intel in every aspect except for video editing. While AMD GPUs are better for graphic creation, you need NVIDIA GPUs to run CUDA. 3. Judging by the workloads that even web browsers are putting on RAMs nowadays, you should go for 16 GB RAM minimum. 4. While the MacBook is the first choice for many, you will enjoy the playfulness of a Windows laptop. 5. Installing frameworks can be tedious on Windows but nothing worth complaining once you get used to it. One huge benefit of a Windows machine is that you can create a Dual boot with Linux or install Linux in a Virtual Machine software. Then you can use both and choose your favorite.