A hot topic in the consumer device world, post iPad 3 (err…new iPad…which begs the question of what the next one will be called…newer iPad?) is where displays are going, resolution-wise.

There are too many variables (technology, content needs, apps, “specsmanship”, etc…) for anyone to say for sure.  I will say that you should expect your smartphone to have a resolution equal to your flat screen TV within the coming year or so, and your tablet will far exceed that in relatively short order.

The chart below (source: my boss, who insists on proper credit) is pretty compelling as far as what is possible.   Click on it for a larger, more viewable version.

Note: PPI = Pixels per inch on the display, which is much like DPI in printers.  The more PPI, the finer the details able to be shown within a given area.  However, the higher the PPI, the more difficult the production process, thus the more expensive the display will be.

  Tablets a 4X HD resolution?  It’s possible…