Prices fell Monday, rose Tuesday and Wednesday, then slipped again Thursday, with most analysts now describing a period of apparent consolidation.

FORBES: Gold Traders Eye U.S. Dollar, Technicals As Consolidation Continues

"If anything, it shows the nuttiness of the interim period, " Graber said of the unclear nature of Maryland state law in apparent transition.

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But what is apparent is that the Internet's experimental age is ending, he says, giving way to a period of consolidation.

CNN: Old Media Get a New Deal

Before anyone calls the trend irreversible, however, remember that we're on the edge of an unpredictable period: we know some mobile fans have been holding out for a new iPhone, and all the apparent rumors have Apple choosing a bigger screen that might satisfy some outstanding gripes with screen sizes.

ENGADGET: Shocker: smartphone users like bigger screens, market share may respond accordingly