I've been playing Red Red Redemption 2 for the past week. Such an amazing game. Enormous variety and gorgeous graphics. Reminds me of playing Oblivion years ago.
A tablet seems like the obvious answer. I have an iPad and its more than capable of replacing a laptop for study purposes, and has some really great games that you can download.
I've always been a PS first guy, although I did have and enjoyed the Xbox 360. Seriously impressed by the Nintendo Switch after playing one last weekend.
Java would be a good start I think as it crosses desktop, mobile and web development in different shapes and forms. PHP is more web based but also a useful one to know for backend web development.
I upgraded from a 6S. The 8 is a solid - if not very exciting update. Price was pretty much the only reason I didn't go for the X. Even with an upgrade price it would have been crazy here in Ireland.
I'm happy letting the first gen of the X out into the public anyway for now to iron out any...