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Apple iPad and possible iPad Pro

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Apple’s iPad tablet computer has been a runaway success, selling nearly 15m units in its first 9 months and there is much debate about an upcoming revision expected in the first half of 2011, that will almost certainly include front and rearward facing cameras. But what divides opinion is whether it will also sport a higher resolution ‘retina’ style display, similar in concept to that of the iPhone 4 and 4th generation iPod touch?

The concept of Apple’s ‘retina’ display is at normal viewing distance, the screen is of sufficiently high resolution that the human eye cannot discern single pixels. In simpler terms, it is beautifully clear and crisp to the point where reading a well printed paper copy would look no better.

Most sources agree, to meet Apple’s definition and also not screw up all iPad apps made thus far, the screen resolution would need to double, from 1024 x 768 to 2048 x 1536 pixels, in order to qualify as a ‘retina’ display for iPad.

Engadget claims the next iPad has, whilst Gruber at Daring Fireball says not, at least not until 2012 at the earliest. Both have track records of being reliable sources of leaked Apple information, so who has it right and who has it wrong?

If I had to bet money on it, then I’d side with Gruber. The iPad is not even a year old and a 2048 x 1536 display upgrade is one hell of a jump in technology at today’s prices, though it’s worth noting Engadget don’t specify the resolution, only that it’s ‘super high’. It would seem a bad business decision too, as it would likely alienate 15m iPad owners if their beloved tablet were outdated so quickly – especially if they only just got it for Christmas!

So why am I writing this post? Well, what if both sources have accurate information about next generation iPads, but are not talking about the same model?

Since Steve Jobs overhauled Apple on his return in 1997, they have kept their product lineups tight and focussed, so you wouldn’t expect a deluge of iPad variants, but an iPad Pro would fit into the mix at a higher price point, say $999.

Engadget also claim the new iPad will feature an SD card slot, something else Gruber denies. If an iPad Pro with retina display were aimed at photo enthusiasts and professionals, then an SD card slot makes a lot more sense too.

What about pixel density, even at $999 a 10″ 2048 x 1536 pixel display would probably be cost prohibitive at today’s prices, but who says it has to be a 10″ screen? Apple has already commented that they consider any tablet smaller than 10″ to be a ‘silly’ form factor, so if there is a new iPad model, it will be the same size or larger.

If I were to blue sky an iPad Pro, I’d use a larger screen requiring a faster processor with more memory, not unlike the rest of Apple’s Pro lineup. 11″ doesn’t seem different enough, so 13″ is more likely and certainly within the realm of being a decently portable tablet. It would also significantly reduce the cost of the display and the pixel density, so calling it a retina might be a stretch, but not beyond Apple’s PR department I’m sure.

In conclusion, I expect iPad to get cameras very soon, that’s a given. If a retina display is anywhere to be seen much before 2012, my guess is it will be on a significantly more expensive iPad Pro.


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