Getting a Windows laptop can save you up to 1000 for something with the same specs. You can adjust the Windows 10 settings very easily.
That said, if you want a Macbook above everything go for the 15 inch and make sure you get at least 16 GB of ram.
The Macbooks from 2012 are very popular because people could still upgrade parts themselves. Since they removed that in the recent version I'd personally go for the latest.