Update mid-2010 MacBook Pro OS X Lion 10.7.5 (11G63) w/o losing function?

[k2k317]

Hi MacBook Pro Experts: Can I update the OS X on my 13" mid-2010 MacBook Pro (specs below) w/out overtaxing the system and making usage difficult/impossible on a system that was made for older software? I think(?) the latest OS X would be too much for the ancient mid-2010 system, but there are apps (Chrome browser, DropBox, etc.) that require a newer OS X to run properly. Should I take a chance on updating the OS X and possibly overloading the system, or just leave it as is? Is it possible to download an OS X that’s older, but newer than what I have now and also suitable for this ancient machine? Thanks so much!😊
Current Specs:
2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
4 GB 1067 MHz DDR3
NVIDIA GeForce 320M 256 MB
Mac OS X Lion 10.7.5 (11G63)

 

[Just_Me_D]

No. Your MBP is 10 years old. You should consider investing in a new one, in my opinion.

 

[scruffypig]

It looks like the MacBook Pro mid 2010 can run Mac OS 10.13, High Sierra, which is still receiving security updates. I can’t guess how much longer, since my MacBook Pro Mid 2009 was ended with Mac OS 10.11, El Capitan. It ran fine with El Capitan, though the DVD ROM drive had long died and the battery was starting to expand.

If you can upgrade to a newer MacBook, go for it. The new MacBook Air 2020 models can support 6K external monitors. They can also support external graphic processors for some extra muscle.