New Clie May Be Coming to Japan (Updated)

Although Sony has left the world handheld market, it still continues to release new Clie models in Japan.

This fall, for example, it released the PEG-VZ90, a multimedia-oriented handheld.

Now there's a rumor making the rounds in Japan that a new Clie will debut there this spring.

Update: Sony said today that it is going to stop producing the Clie line of handhelds, and no new models will be introduced. Therefore this rumor is clearly incorrect.

According to a Japanese web site, some Japanese Clie users have become nervous that the VZ90 will be the last handheld from Sony, and have been buying up accessories before they disappear. However, some of these people report being told by retailers that a new Clie will be available before summer.

Details are sketchy. The new model is supposedly going to be part of the TH55 series, but it has been styled to look more like one of Sony's VAIO models.

The TH55 uses the traditional tablet design (see picture at left). It includes a hi-res+ screen and Wi-Fi wireless networking. Of course it has a Memory Stick slot, and it uses Sony's proprietary processor.

If the upcoming Clie is going to be part of this series, it will almost certainly also offer these features.

Thanks to Sammy at Palm Addict for the tip.

Related Links

• Sony Debuts First Japan-Only Clie
• Brighthand Reviews the Sony Clie TH55
• Sony Exits US Handheld Market