Answer to Question 1: I don't believe that the IRS would allow the cost of this laptop as an education expense; I, personally, wouldn't claim it. Laptops can be deducted if they're required to be bought for class and, if you'll see the TurboTax article "Can I deduct a computer or laptop that I bought for school?", the laptop in the example is "required" because of an online-only course. The fact that the university allows the borrowing of laptops for free would seem to undermine any "requirement."
Answer to Question 2: Again, this doesn't seem to bolster the "required" laptop argument.
Answer to Question 3: If you're not an employee in your remote work, (i.e., your pay isn't reflected on a Form W-2, but a 1099-MISC), then you may be able to apportion costs for that purpose and claim a deduction from self-employment income.
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