How is he "throwing around" this term? He's specifically talking about the iPad 3. Apple uses this marketing term to signal to the purchaser that they are going to get a certain pixel density. I see retina display, I know I will get a "good looking" display by Apple's standards. If I trust Apple, it means something. That's the purpose of marketing and branding. So what if your phone also has the same pixel density?
Do you have a problem with marketing in general? Is it a problem that Audi makes quattro cars or that Volkswagens have 4motion or BMWs have cars with 'x' in the model number? They only signify 4WD after all.
BTW, iPhone 4 is a 3.5 inch 640×960 resolution (326 ppi). N900 is 3.5 inch 800 × 480 resolution (267 ppi). Not that it matters either way.
No, I have a problem with marketing that is intentionally deceptive and can easily confuse non-technical users into believing they're paying for something they're not.
Neither of your car manufacturer examples demonstrate this. However, when a certain US cellular carrier slapped a "4G" sticker on 3G technology simply to make their product appear competitive in the market that was not OK.
Similarly, implying to users the pixel density of their device matches the resolving capabilities of the retina, when actual scientific studies demonstrate otherwise, is not OK with me.
Do you have a problem with marketing in general? Is it a problem that Audi makes quattro cars or that Volkswagens have 4motion or BMWs have cars with 'x' in the model number? They only signify 4WD after all.
BTW, iPhone 4 is a 3.5 inch 640×960 resolution (326 ppi). N900 is 3.5 inch 800 × 480 resolution (267 ppi). Not that it matters either way.