Shortages may be guaranteeing no AMOLED for next-gen iPad
updated 12:35 pm EST, Fri December 17, 2010
Supply already too low for existing demand
Supplies may be an overriding reason why Apple is sticking with LCDs for the second-generation iPad, rather than switching to AMOLED technology, a Taiwanese report suggests. Panel makers claim that AMOLED is, at present, unsuited to mass production of 7- to 11-inch screens, and would be too expensive relative to LCD regardless. Samsung Mobile Display is in fact said to be unable to produce enough AMOLEDs for cellphones like the Galaxy S and Nexus S, much less a tablet as large as the iPad.
AMOLED has several advantages over LCD, such as typically better brightness, and greater contrast, since no backlight is required. It's a relatively nascent technology however, such that Samsung and LG are still developing AMOLED TVs. The next iPad design is expected to require a 9.7-inch display, since Apple CEO Steve Jobs has dismissed the 7-inch format used by tablets like the PlayBook and Galaxy Tab.
