The Retina display is more of a supply-chain fight against the Android mfg. Timothy Cook said Apple made a $3 billion investment (aka... BET). Analysts are pinning it to LG/Sharp LCD tooling investments.
Instead of using tech innovation to fight this war, they are tactically using business logistics and their big war chest to win the tablet wars.
Now, if they are getting those panels at discount @ $70, Nobody can touch Apple on pricing. There were initial estimates those panels were $200-350 due to hi resolution. You guys have to realize anything over 1080p is pricey. A 2048 regular monitor is already $900-$1200.
If another competitor wants to play the high-res screen game, they will definitely pay more than apple. What other company can order 60 million LCD panels a year to get that discount? No one. Not even HP. Nobody is going to have a healthy margin and undercut Apple on pricing.
Asus doesn't have the ability to make a profit if they sell their 1080p transformer at $600. Even the BOM (Build of Materials) for other companies will be $400, how the hell can they make money selling it at $424-450. Then the retailer have to mark it up as well.
