Apple is by far one of the most thorough companies when it comes to trying out new products and innovating. Throughout the testing process the company spends hoards of money on producing working prototypes of devices that we rarely even hear of, let alone see in the flesh.

During the early testing of the iPad, a prototype was designed (pretty late on) which had two dock connectors. One would be used in portrait, the other in landscape. I can understand the theory, but, I’m equally glad it never saw the light of day (at least in an officially released sense). Over on Ebay, one seller has in his possession one of these prototypes. Currently going for almost $5k, with 11 hours remaining, the tablet has an unusual design and is running a testing software. Part of the listing reads:

“iPad First Generation Prototype/Tester unit. This is one of a VERY small amount of Apple prototype devices and you rarely see these on ebay. This iPad has 16GBs of capacity, and is incredibly unique. For starters, It has 2 dock connectors. 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 full functional for charging this iPad and connecting it to your computer.”

I don’t have that kind of money to burn, but if I did, I’m still not sure I’d pony up and thrown it at a device that doesn’t even work. Would you?

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