Images of iPad prototype from early 2000s revealed
Patent wars between Apple and Samsung have led to the revelation of previously unknown information concerning both companies.
Network World did some research and was able to uncover pictures of a very early prototype of the iPad that purportedly dates back to the early 2000s.
The images below are from transcripts of a December 2011 deposition where Apple’s Senior Vice President of Industrial Design, Jonathan Ive, was asked a number of questions regarding the design history of the iPad.
According to the partial release of the deposition, Ive is asked about a series of photos of a three-dimensional mockup of a tablet referred to as the “035 mockup or prototype.” He responds:
“My recollection of first seeing it is very hazy, but it was, I’m guessing, sometime between 2002 and 2004, some but it was I remember seeing this and perhaps models similar to this when we were first exploring tablet designs that ultimately became the iPad.”
As you can see from the images, the early mockup was much thicker than today’s iPad. It had a smaller screen border, making the working display much larger. You’ll also note that the mockup does not have a home button.
What do you think of the early iPad? Aside from the thickness, it appears to hold up to today’s tablets quite well.