From USAToday

Bill Gates, founder of software giant Microsoft has been reported as recently countering the idea of One Laptop per Child. It has been said that Gates has suggested using cell phones instead.

The basis for this viewpoint is that cell phones rely upon proven technology and are already being cheaply mass produced by several manufacturers. Cell phones also require little power and provide both internet connectivity as well as communication. Also a single cell phone tower can power an entire town. In regions which do not have internet connections this is a plus, as laptops to be beneficial in this regard would require web accessibility.