Get Your Hands On Apple History!

The iPad. Since it's initial release back in 2010 we have seen the overall design of the iPad changing quite a bit. But a recent eBay listing popped up offering something a little bit different.

Whilst doing my usual trawling of the internet I came across a very interesting article at Macrumors. An eBay item popped up this morning selling (what looks to be and probably IS) a Prototype iPad 16GB with not 1..but 2 dock connectors. All iDevices have and always have had 1 dock connector.

This second dock connector was meant for ease of use when in Landscape. But Apple ditched this idea before it's release and used just 1 connector. Many rumours had surfaced about the iPad having 2 and these were backed up by patents that had surfaced at patentlyapple.com.  

So with these patents and the photos in the eBay listing, it's clear to see that Apple were thinking about and prototyping dual dock connectors. But...sadly....never made the finish line.

The listing describes the iTem (<< see what i done there)  as having been refurbished to the best of the sellers ability. He says that due to one of the clips for holding the touch sensor down being broken, the touch doesn't work. Although, when pressure is applied it does sporadically respond to touch.

It is also running Apples testing / diagnostic software called Switchboard. Both dock connectors work as they were intended. For charging and hooking up to PC.

The iPad does not have 'iPad' written all over it, but according to the seller it has the same model number as an iPad but has the prototype ID number.'PTxxxxx'.

Photos can be seen on the eBay item page. Bids for this Prototype iPad are starting at $4,800 and already has 1 bid. So get saving quick as the listing ends at midnight Eastern time (which could possibly be past? Either way it's a good story).

I myself have an iPad 2, and would liked to have seen it have 2 dock connectors. Especially while playing something or viewing dashhacks.com on landscape and having it charging.

What's your thoughts on this? Should we tell Apple to implement a second one in a future iPad? Will any of you be bidding for the prototype iPad?

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