internet - Laptops or mobile phones for the masses?

A crucial debate developed at the World Economic Forum in Davos, as representatives of Microsoft - including chairman Bill Gates - opposed the idea of a USD 100 laptop, that has been promoted by both the UN and internet-guru Nicolas Negroponte, writes the International Herald Tribune.
Such a laptop would in this case include a Window's platform, but Microsoft proves less than cooperative, I learn from the article. Cell phones are a much better alternative, said Microsoft's CTO Craig Mundie.
The project I wrote about myself in Gansu province last year would avoid the issue by hosting the major software at one server in Beijing.
The issue is becoming more important as the third generation mobile phones is embarking upon us. This is going to be a key discussion for the way the poorer parts of this world are getting internet access.