And that's why Apple will likely drop the "" moniker, particularly if the second-gen model continues to sell well and Cupertino decides to keep it around--much as it's done with the iPhone 3GS.

One option: Distinguish the models by specs. The iPad 2 becomes the iPad (1024 by 768), which starts at $399; and the iPad (2048 by 1536) starts at $499.

A year from now, however, my naming strategy may break down, particularly if the fourth-generation iPad's display resolution remains at 2048 by 1536 pixels.

Suggestions? I'm out of ideas.

Contact Jeff Bertolucci at , Twitter ) or