There were previous rumors that Apple allegedly toyed with the idea of including a second dock connector designed for landscape orientation to the original iPad. In 2010, Patently Apple reported that a design of the first generation iPad with dual 30-pin dock connectors showed up in China’s patent database. But as we all know, the iPad has only one dock connector. According to MacRumors, further evidence is showing up in a new eBay auction for a 16 GB original iPad prototype that has two docks on it.
“Apple prototyped these iPads to have this connector late in the process and at the last minute decided to remove them. There are patent drawings and leaked casings that show the indents for both dock connector holes, but this unit has both dock connectors, and both are fully functional for charging this iPad and connecting it to your computer,” the seller wrote.
MacRumors added that while it is possible that a second dock connector could be faked, the detailed photos appear to be consistent with the device being a genuine Apple prototype. Although an iPad with dual dock connectors is interesting, it’s important to note that the concept was never been confirmed by Apple. The current bid of the said first generation iPad prototype is $4,800, and the auction will end shortly after midnight tonight.
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