Early iPad Prototype Revealed During Patent Trial [PHOTOS]

If you have ever wondered what early prototype of Apple’s  iPad would look like, then here are some images of that age old prototype. These images were uncovered by NetworkWorld, from the testimony of Sir Jonathan Ive, which suggests that the Cupertino based company was thinking about the idea of releasing an iPad type device back in 2002.

Ive acknowledges that he has seen the mockup of this tablet sometime between 2002 and 2004, which is called as ’035 prototype, and it is one of the first prototypes that Apple may have later on improved, from horrible and thick looking to a sleeker and beautiful device. As seen in the image, this device has some similarities to the first publicly released iPad.

My recollection of first seeing it is very hazy, but it was, I’m guessing, sometime between 2002 and 2004. I remember seeing this, and perhaps models similar to this when we were first exploring tablet designs that ultimately became the iPad.

In this prototype image, you’ll see the familiar rectangle design, but it is much thicker and comes with a bottomless design. For sure, Apple has greatly improved from this horrible looking device to iPad 1, which looks beautiful.

These images of a prototype tablet were displayed during patent trial between Apple and South Korean rival Samsung. It shows how Apple’s prototypes are converted into actual products that entice users with just one look. Apple kickstarted the tablet industry with the launch of iPad, and since then many tablets came and perished, but iPad is still here and dominating the market.