How to update 2010 MacBookPro?

[Kylee646]

Hi guys! I am looking at purchasing a mac to use as I start Computer Science courses in Winter 2020 term from Oregon State University. I could use some advice, I am thinking about a Macbook Air, Macbook Pro 15" (not the new 16") or iMac 27".
I am worried the MacBook Air won't have enough punch for programming. I'm hesitant to buy a MacBook Pro 15" because I think I'll want a large monitor for my desk and a wireless mouse/full keyboard which could all add up to be a big grand total $$. I am thinking about the 27" iMac 3.0GHz 6-core intel i5 refurbished for about $1600 because this would solve my want for a monitor and I think this will provide the power I need for the programming. The only concern is it's not portable.
Please give thoughts on what you would purchase.

I have a mid 2010, 13"MacBook Pro Intel core 2 Duo 4GB that I can keep for some mobility but I don't think it can handle all my programming needs. I plan to do most of my coursework at home as the program is all online and I remotely located in Indiana. Is there a way to update this older MacBook Pro so I could use this when I want to be mobile?

 

[Euroamerican]

The 13 inch model can take 8-gb modules! So, you can go up to 16 gb of RAM. You also would want to put in SSD in it. Those two upgrades will allow you to go up to at least the OSX El Capitan version.

A 13 inch MacBook Pro is much more mobile (TO ME) than the 15 inch MacBook Pro, but not as nicely light as an Air.

As to a bigger screen. In the end, I went with a 13 for mobility and attach external monitors when I'm at my study's desk. No portable screen is really as large as I'd like it to be.