Pro Tools 12 or 2018? Specs for MBP? Need help on the final pieces

[donalddemon]

I am reassembling my recording rig to finish my bands new album and the last piece of the puzzle is the computer and DAW. I'd like to stick with Pro Tools because I know it.

I'll be running a Focusrite Clarett 8pre as my interface and most editing and processing will be done in the box.

I can't seem to understand which Mac to get for my budget ($2k max). I'd prefer to not have the touch bar and less inputs of the newest MBPs so I was looking at the 2015 or 2016's but I'm not finding much in my budget range.

What's the absolute minimum specs I can get by with for my recording needs? 16gb is absolutely essential for the newest PT 12 & 2018? What about processor and SSD size? I know avid lists these requirements on their site but I'm wondering what real users think. I'd like to purchase the native version of PT, just not sure if I should wait for 2018.