Screen Resolution

[mikethebigo]

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to comment on the iPad screen resolution for a moment, because I've been seeing a lot of statements recently that the screen is "low resolution" and it's really been bugging me.

The pixel density of the iPad is 132 ppi. In comparison, the MBP I'm typing this on has a pixel density of 113 ppi and it's fine. In fact, the "high resolution" 11 inch MBA has a pixel density of only 135 ppi. Now, I know it's low compared to the "retina" display on the iPhone, but compared to all other monitors of near equal size, it's actually a very nice display.

I think it looks bad sometimes because you already have a smaller screen, and you're viewing pages meant to be widescreen in portrait mode. Yes, things will look blocky then until you zoom in.

I'm all for a higher resolution iPad, it will be wonderful for reading text. But, can we get over calling it "low resolution"? Thanks!

 

[colmaclean]

I know what you're saying, it's adequate, but imagine the attached map on a "Retina" display. Hubba ******** Hubba!

 

[gatearray]

I agree, I want to tear my hair out when I read posts that call the iPad screen "low resolution" as if it's common knowledge and a fact that we can all agree on. The iPad display is awesome, and has a higher pixel density than all but the most expensive MacBook Pro.

Get over the "retina display" everybody, it makes the most sense on a 3.5" screen, and is not necessarily necessary on larger displays.

Open the front page of the New Tork Times on your iphoneand your iPad. Ican read everything without zooming on the iPad, can you say the same about your iPhone? Case closed.

 

[NATO]

I agree it's not 'low resolution' but I think the reason it looks worse than it is is due to the fact you tend to view it closer than you would a traditional display. Personally I would tend to have my iMac about arms length away whereas the iPad would be half that. This is why the iPad could do with a resolution increase to match the 'effective' resolution of a desktop display.

 

[GnillGnoll]

I agree it's not 'low resolution' but I think the reason it looks worse than it is is due to the fact you tend to view it closer than you would a traditional display.

Which effectively does make it "low resolution", since angular resolution is what ultimately matters. Despite the pixel density being higher than typical desktop (and most laptop) displays,

The pixel density is also low relative to (upcoming) competing products, e.g. Android 3.0 tablets, the 7" Galaxy Tab or the BlackBerry Playbook.

 

[barkomatic]

Why does the term "low resolution" in reference to the iPad bother you if you personally are satisfied with the screen? Does everyone around you need to constantly justify your purchase?

The screen on the iPad is currently a little better than the competition *overall* so its not like there is a better choice out there right now. However, its a good bet that the next version will have a higher resolution screen to keep up with that competition--and it will certainly enhance the experience.

I would be shocked if the next iPad does not have a retina quality display -- because the next generation of Android tablets will all have high resolution screens.