2048x1536 iPad may wait until third-gen, sources claim
updated 09:15 am EST, Mon January 24, 2011
Analyst argues production capacity not sufficient
The iPad will be getting a 2048x1536 display, but only in a third-generation model, says IDC research manager Tom Mainelli. "Our sources say Apple has requested that manufacturers begin work on displays with that resolution for the iPad 3," he writes. The issue is said to be production capacity, rather than the technology's existence or expense.
"I don't believe anybody is ready to produce that resolution in volumes at this point," Mainelli comments. "And Apple is going to require huge volumes for the iPad 2." The company shipped approximately 7.33 million iPads in the last quarter alone.
Reports have been vacillating back and forth on the question of an extremely high-resolution display. While there are a number of obstacles, appropriately-scaled iBooks graphics have been discovered in recent weeks, suggesting that Apple is at least laying the groundwork. The company has also been promoting the concept of ultra-sharp "Retina Displays," which it may want to carry over from the iPhone and iPod touch to all iOS devices. The iPhone 4's original Retina Display was unexpected; Apple may want to deliver a similar surprise with the iPad to keep an edge over other tablets.
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Joined: Oct 1999
Makes Sense
There are more important updates than dramatically increasing screen resolution. Things like RAM (1GB, please), dual-core processor, cameras, etc. Personally, I'd love to see/hear stereo speakers in iPad 2. There's certainly enough empty space in the shell.
The rumored high-res screen itself would require much more CPU and graphics processing power and RAM just to drive thing. And more battery capacity to keep it running for 10 hours (or more?). Also, it would add yet another screen resolution for developers to grapple with... and another potential layer of confusion for users.
Also, why should Apple pour so many new features into a second version, when they've gotta keep a few more things on deck to entice us to buy iPad 3, right?