Really depends how you're defining "need".

Will you die without it?

Will your life as you know it end if your next phone has 8GB instead of 12GB?

Those questions can’t get to the root of how the GGP is using the word for two reasons: 1. Companies, not being alive, can’t possibly need in this sense without analogy. 2. The poster included electricity as something everybody needs but there are people surviving without it.

You need 8GB at the very most, which isn't out of reach for any consumer. If you need more, then you are a professional and can afford more. Or you are a hobbyist, and your hobby doesn't deserve any subsidies from the hard working tax payer.

> You need 8GB at the very most

I call total bullshit on that. I need more.

Why would you need more compute power than other people? An 8GB machine is already way beyond capable for anything a consumer - and most professional - can throw at it.

And why in the world should the government force tax payers to subsidize your extraordinary computing needs?

Have you ever used a computer?

No, have you?