Is the M5 Pro chip a big step up from the M4 Pro?

Apple claims a moderate year-over-year gain in CPU and GPU work, with the biggest jumps in AI and media tasks. If you already own an M4 Pro, the upgrade is hard to justify; from Intel or M1, the difference is large.

How much memory should I get?

For editing 4K video or running virtual machines, 24GB or more is the safer choice. Memory is soldered, so buy the capacity you expect to need in three years.

Does it run Windows apps?

Not natively. Windows software needs a virtual machine or emulation, which works for many productivity apps but not for most games or GPU-heavy Windows tools.

The laptop, a USB-C power adapter and a charging cable. No mouse, sleeve or external display is included.

How does it compare with the MacBook Air?

The Pro adds a brighter mini-LED screen, active cooling for sustained loads and more ports. The Air is lighter and fine for office work, but throttles on long renders.

Can I connect two external monitors?

Yes, the M5 Pro supports multiple external displays, though the exact count depends on resolution and refresh rate. Check Apple's spec page for your monitor setup.