Drew University started handing out computers to incoming college students in 1984. In 1988, they switched to laptops.
An article was published in the New York Times on August 26, 1989 titled "The Lap-Top Computer Goes to College" highlighting Drew's program. Click on the image below to read our faded copy (it will pop up larger).
In 2008, the University offered students a choice of a base model (Lenovo ThinkPad T400) or an upgrade model (Lenovo ThinkPad X61).
In 2011, the University added the option of a Mac laptop
Alumni who visit the campus - often with their own children - often ask about computer handout, and those of us who worked at handouts over the years remember the effort, stresses, and joys of all those times.
Students on campus could tell who was assisting with handout by the shirts. Here is a