iPad 2 rumor wars: 2048x1536 strikes back

It's getting downright silly, but Digitimes is now claiming iPad 2 will indeed have a 2048x1536 based on " upstream component makers". This follows Daring Fireball saying oh-no-it-wouldn't, MacRumors finding evidence it just might, Kevin Rose saying iPad 2 would be higher-res but not Retina Display and Engadget confirming the same (which TiPb found problematic for compatibility reasons), and 9to5Mac pointing to iPad 2 staying at the current 1024x768.
Confusing much?
Apple almost certainly has a 2048x1536 Retina Display iPad in the lab, perhaps they're even testing it for production runs. If they can deliver it along with 1 or 2 cameras, an Apple A5 chipset, and much more RAM and keep the same $499 entry level price point, perhaps we'll see it this year. If they can't then maybe we'll get the "backup" iPad 2 with the same 1024x768 display and Retina will be scheduled for iPad 3 in 2012. (They may even be testing a 1.25x and/or 1.5x "hi-res" display as well to see how current apps perform at <a href="https://www.imore.com/"http://www.imore.com/2011/01/19/problem-2x-ipad-2-retina-display/">shrunken or stretched sizes, who know?)
Either way we'll probably keep hearing conflicting rumors until Apple calls an event and announces iPad 2.
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Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.