Also, there are persistent rumors that Apple is working on a flat, tablet-style computer — perhaps a much larger version of its iPod Touch pocket-size device.

Sony said its electronics and device divisions turned a profit in the second quarter, but that its flat-screen TV and game chip concerns had been hit by lower prices.

The device management network setup is usually very simple: a flat-layer two-type network on a 10/100 switch is acceptable for device management purposes, so no further explanation is needed.