Rumors have gone and on whether the iPad 2 -- or perhaps -- will include a 2,048-by-1,536 resolution display. It seems like a stretch for whatever Apple introduces next Wednesday, but a large-screen equivalent of the iPhone 4's retina display would give the iPad a clear advantage over its rivals.

When Cee-Lo Green video-phoned into Google headquarters for , the result was choppy and laggy (see 51:10 in ). Apple's Facetime video chat program fares better on the iPhone 4. If Apple can take that experience to a larger screen, it'll have a winner in the front-facing camera department.

The Xoom's biggest failing at launch is that it'll only be available as a 3G/4G model for $800, or $600 with a two-year Verizon contract. And even if you pay full price, you'll , adding at least $20 plus a $35 activation fee to final cost. So far, Apple's managed to sell the 3G iPad without this burden. Continuing to do so with the iPad 2 will widen Apple's price advantage.