Back in the days when Apple was just about to unveil its revolutionary tablet for the world, rumors were dense that the device might ship with dual dock connectors, and if the iPad prototype spotted on eBay is anything to go by, it’s somewhat safe to assume the company was indeed considering the feature. The said slate now appears to have been sold at a huge price of $10,200.
It is said that Apple initially planned to implement dual dock connectors on the iPad, but certain other design decisions prompted it to do otherwise. Several patents of the company had also indicated that a second dock connecter would be present. A few days back, Mac Rumors noticed the original prototype device which is a 16GB original slab embedded with two dock connectors for portrait and landscape orientations.
The website also claims that the slate is in nearly functional condition, with some repairs required to its touchscreen. Of course, this can easily be suspected to be a fake product. But the photographs on its eBay page seem to indicate otherwise, owing to the original Apple branding that is quite easy to spot. For those wondering what the device has running under its hood, it is powered by Apple’s SwitchBoard diagnostic software. The company makes use of the OS to test its products during the initial stages.
The starting eBay bid for the original iPad prototype with dual dock connectors was $4,800, and by the time the auction ended on May 28, 2012, the device was sold for $10,200.