Laptop SPECS Recs

I am looking to buy a laptop as incoming FT Analyst at a BB. I need recs on the exact specs to get for a Thinkpad/other laptops that you guys recommend.

About me: in Infra/Energy group with lots of heavy modelling. Firm uses a remote desktop when WFM instead of providing physical laptops. When WFM, I will have a nice dual/triple monitor set-up. Will only need only laptop set-up for PE recruiting or when I occasionally travel. 

My confusion: Have never thought about specs once before. See some people saying minimum 32gb RAM for PE recruiting, others saying RAM doesn't matter if virtual desktop. Does i5 vs i7 matter? Then there's so many letters T14, E14, V14, P. Gen 4, 11, other numbers. I have no clue what's important. 

What are the specs that are a must have? Want to keep it preferably under 1.2k, but if that's not reasonable (my only point of reference is I can buy a MacBook Air for $900) then I'm flexible. Finding some Lenovo V14 deals for less than 600. Lowkey considering just getting a Mac, and setting up an external keyboard since I'll have to remote in anyways. So lost pls help

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