[...] Stock levels have, however, generally been good on the full-size iPad, which has reportedly seen a significant drop in demand as consumer interest has shifted to the iPad mini.
And the iPad mini doesn't even have a Retina display.
I think there's a fair chance that the iPad mini may not get a Retina display for years.
Eventually it will, but there's no pressure on Apple.
Why no pressure? Because the bigger, more expensive iPad already has a Retina display.
You want ultra-sharp graphics? You get the big iPad. You want more portability and lower price?
You get the mini. Apple gives you a clear, easy choice. It's what they do.
And judging by iPad mini sales, the lack of a Retina screen hasn't had any negative effect.
I think eventually the iPad mini will get a Retina display. Display technology, like
any semiconductor technology, always comes down in price over time as materials and
manufacturing processes are improved. But I wonder how much more time, effort, and money
Apple is willing to invest in legacy LCD technology.
Some day, Apple's investment with Sharp on advanced OLED technology and production processes
(all gloriously patented, by the way) will be ready for mass-production.
I suspect we'll see a Retina iPad mini after that has all been worked out.
And maybe Retina MacBook Airs and iMacs as well.