If not, then why are you sneering at the companies that are actually doing something, rather than nothing?
I'm not sneering at anyone.
What I am, is aware that even free hardware comes with its own costs.
You have to prevent theft, manage software on it, track it, lock down the browser, deal with breakage, and a dozen other details.
Underprivileged schools are the least able to to do all these things, either because of staffing or funding.
And the only way they can manage such requirements is by taking time/money away from other educational goals.
It's very easy for a well intentioned gift to turn into a white elephant.
You don't need a pencil to operate an iPad, and these poor kids will likely benefit more than most from exposure to technology.
If the iPad is a replacement for text books, then I am happy to concede this point.
If it isn't a replacement, yes the students will benefit from exposure to technology, but that exposure won't make up for what's missing.