I understand that he is considering it for note taking, but from personal experience, there was no point in taking notes for the programming classes since powerpoints are always provided, and most of the time even the full recording of the actual class. We then get multiple office hours and group TA sessions for discussions (during which multiple handouts will also be given).
Most of the materials are less about memorization, but more of understanding, which gets solved during those office hours and group discussion time, which is why I do not think that he would be using the remarkable much during those programming classes.
If he was taking other science/math/humanities class, then yeah the remarkable would be absolutely perfect. Since sometimes the proofs will be written on the whiteboard/ an impromptu question gets answered. But you don't get those in programming classes.
But if he has been actively taking tons of notes during those programming classes, then yeah the remarkable would be as good of a fit as any other note taking tool.
Then yeah, the remarkable is great as a notebook alternative. I have yet to see any wear and tear on mine after using it for awhile, so you can prob get it 2nd hand as a bundle for ~300 / get a new one with a noris jumbo.