http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703636404575352681516157268.html

"Meanwhile, Sony is developing a portable device that shares characteristics of hand-held game machines, e-book readers and netbook computers, according to people familiar with the matter. Some Sony e-book readers already come with 3G connections but it isn't clear if a new wireless gadget will use carrier networks."

Sounds like 3G may be too late for 3DS launch, but might go in the inevitable redesign imo...

interesting rumor...

So Sony vs Apple instead of Sony vs Nintendo? From one to beast to another. If anything, it'd be harder to make a place for yourself in the tablet market (competition) but at least Sony have a better grasp of that market (there popular android phone, Vaio, PSP etc).

Hm, if this turns out to be real, they're in for a major batlle. Uphill.

I have an Ipad, and it's cool as hell, good luck topping it, it's not easy

Maybe with a better web browser :)

I think that the next PSP should keep gaming as it's focus.  It's good to have functionality, but it could happen like the first one... Jack of all trades, Ace of none. Bring us the games Sony, I know you can! And bring another dual analog sticks too.

Doesn't really imply it'll be a full gaming system.  Sony has mentioned they want to bring the PSN to other devices, so it could just be an iPad-like device that has some PSN support (maybe ps1 classics and PSP minis, or maybe even more).

What if they're working on three devices:

• PSP2 - limited functionality for people that mainly want a gaming device, like the iPod Touch and music
• PSPhone - like the iPhone
• PSPad - like the iPad

...all of which use PSP2 branding and play PSP2, PSP1, and PS1 games. And probably PS2 games by that point as well.  That'd be interesting.

The main thing I'm looking for in their next handheld is 3G support allowing for constant PSN access.  I hope they do still create a more traditional PSP2 or a PSP2 Phone, because that's the type of device I'd prefer.  One that supports all formats the PSP supports as well as PSP2 and PS2 titles, plus allows constant Network access for friend messaging and voice chat, alongside improved Remote Play.  It would be total win.

interesting....i love my iphone to the point where i'm not really looking for a handheld gaming system.  the ipad is interesting to me but i'm passing on the first gen cause it is too expensive, doesn't have large enough stats for what i want to do, and as an internet device i can't deal with apple's lack of flash support.

with the right stats a tablet gaming device could be very tempting to me.

i would love that

get APPLE down both Nintendo and SONY

This is older than dirt.