iLounge

A number of photos showing a very early prototype of the iPad have surfaced online. Citing a December 2011 deposition of Apple Senior VP of Industrial Design Jonathan Ive, Network World reports that Ive recalls seeing what is referred to as the “035 mockup” sometime between 2002 and 2004, when the company was “first exploring tablet designs that ultimately became the iPad.” The mockup itself is easily identifiable as an early version of the iPad, despite the fact that it lacks Home, sleep/wake, and volume buttons. The device is far thicker than the original iPad—more closely resembling white iBook enclosures of the day—but does feature a Dock Connector mounted at the bottom, as well as a headphone jack which is mounted on the side. To see the complete collection of photos, follow the above link. [via 9to5Mac]