Sony Ericsson is rumoured to be working on a new smartphone (or is it a mini netbook!?!). Leaked pictures have been spotted on the internet. According to an Engadget report, this device has a form factor like that of the HTC Shift - slide-out and hinged.

This Sony Ericsson gadget, which is in its prototype stage, supposedly has a 5.5-inch screen. If this detail is true, it would be too large to fit into the pocket, so its more of a Sony Ericsson laptop than a smartphone.

This device is said to be running on the Android 2.1 (Eclair) OS. Sony Ericsson reportedly has no intention of switching or upgrading to Froyo - Android 2.2 as of now.

These are the only sparse details known currently.

When the whole focus is on touchscreen tablets at present, this Sony Ericsson netbook seems like a welcome change. More on this device as we find out more.