Rumors are floating around now about a possible new Sony CLIE model to be released in Japan. This model is rumored to be a replacement for the Sony CLIE TH55 or possibly a device similar to the Sony VZ90 but running the Palm OS.

This is a very earlier rumor and details are sketchy. 1src reports:

"There's a possible new CLIE that will be announced in Japan... as early as next week. According to the rumor sent to us:

• it would be closer to VAIO
• it would have eye-popping features
• it would have a vertical but also horizontal form factor
• it is scheduled to be out this month
• the form is unfamiliar
• the price would be around 39,800 yen
• would you call it a CLIE if it doesn't run the Palm OS"

PalmAddict posts this information obtainted from an obscure Japanese website.

"In these days, there are rumor about new Clie in Japan. Since VZ90 has been released on Sep 2004, many people believe that VZ90 will be final Clie even in Japan. And UX50,NX80V also discontinue last month. So some users want to buy final stock of Clie and its accessories in Japan. But some shop comment that "New Clie will come in Spring". And some Japanese BBS shows details of New Clie (he may be internally SONY member Ibelieve.) It should be new generation of TH55 series, but it looks like VAIO series. Anyway, this is good news for Japanese people. Wait few more months or within this month"

Thanks to 1src and PalmAddict for the rumor details.