14 DAY TRIAL // Following an internal leak, Apple has failed to stop the sale of a first-generation iPad prototype unit featuring not one, but two dock connectors, as well as internal test software.
On several occasions, Apple has stopped the sale of leaked prototype devices, but this one didn’t catch the eye of the Cupertino, California-based computer giant.
Whether it’s because the hardware is three years old and there’s no breakthrough technologies in there to hide, or because Tim Cook isn’t as fierce as the late Steve Jobs, one thing is for sure – this one slipped.
An internal test unit, the tablet features two dock connectors. They are both functional, according to the seller.
“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,” reads the description.
There’s more. The tablet has underlying test software too. It’s something that only Apple’s top software engineers are allowed to see and use, yet one lucky person (who is now $10,000 short) is getting the chance to experience the prototype software hands-on.
“This iPad is not only unique in it's hardware, but it's running Apple's software testing suite, called ‘SwitchBoard’ which is used to test the devices [sic] functionality,” the seller said.
“This iPad has been refurbished to the best of my capability, since they are intentionally disabled by Apple to not work,” he added.
The tablet is fully functional, apart from the touch screen. A quick trip to iFixit should get it working using a clip that holds the ribbon down on the digitizer.
The seller also said that all parts on this iPad were original prototype parts, except for the battery, which was removed by the Cupertino company. The seller placed in an OEM iPad Battery to make it work.
“This iPad is model A1219, as are all first gen wifi iPads,” he wrote. “The iPad contains many identifying numbers on it which disclose which particular prototype it is, and in the interest of safety I have blurred out all possible identifying numbers.”
According to the description, the unit was built sometime around late 2009 or early 2010 and has an invalid serial number, since the company doesn’t register prototypes.