You know you’re in for a treat when the story you’re reading has, in big red letters, “Please note that this story is based upon rumor and/or speculation.” So let’s begin with that and move on to points rendered.

Manager Magazin in Germany is reporting that both Sony and Ericsson are thinking of shutting down or selling their Sony Ericsson joint venture, a partnership that has thus far spawned little more than a few nice feature phones a whole lot of hype. The company has posted a Q4 2008 loss of $187 million.

Ericsson didn’t comment in the article – and they wouldn’t because it has already negatively affected their stock price – but my feeling is that S-E is ready to fold up shop. This reminds me of BenQ’s slow death. The company had a few interesting ideas but couldn’t breach the atmospheric barrier called Nokia.

If they sold the venture they would presumably sell the handset designs and R&D to the highest bidder.