I am currently a CS student in the UK, and my chosen device is the N900. I am studying OOP using Java atm, so I don't think the N900 is particularly relevent to my studies. However, I have been learning Python and Qt in my spare time, and intend on developing applications for Maemo/Symbian, having completed a couple of personal desktop projects.

Besides the N900, I also have a HTC Desire, which is a nice device, but I consider the Maemo platform to be superior for anyone interested in computing. I see more opportunity for learning and experimentation with Maemo, so I would recommend giving the N900 a try.