We don't read Japanese, so we're not entirely sure what Sony's clear Clié actually is - a next-generation system, a low-end version or merely an internal concept design?

(http://www01.u-page.so-net.ne.jp/ya2/unzan/atrie/i-marron.html)Whatever it is, there it is, for all to see on a Japanese Web site, which has posted a series of pictures of the critter.

Any of the above suggestions are possible, though we suspect it's a low-end model, designed to take on the likes of Handspring's Visor and Palm's m100. With its translucent turquoise and white two-tone casing - bit early iMac, that - it certainly lacks the serious, corporate feel of the shipping Cliés It also has a youth-friendly flip-cover.

That said, it could equally be a design Sony tried and rejected, or simply someone's attempt to give their standard Clié a rather more trendy look and feel. Any ideas, folks? ®