Apple iPad rumor roundup: Abraham Zapruder edition
By Thomas Ricker 
posted February 2nd 2010 6:08AM
posted February 2nd 2010 6:08AM
Not even a week has passed since the iPad was announced and already we're flush with more rumors. First, take a look at that image above. It's a screengrab taken at the 9 minute and 9 second mark into last week's iPad media event. Looks like an embedded iSight camera, right? Problem is, the iPad spec sheet doesn't list a webcam to the dismay of many. Don't buy it? Well, what if we told you that Mission Repair has received spare parts (image posted after the break) that appear to show a space for a camera module in exactly the same spot. In fact, the module pulled from a unibody MacBook is a perfect fit inside the iPad bezel. Still not sold Mr. Doubtypants? Ok, then what about the code that enables video call support in OS 3.2 or that protected engineering prototype we saw just one day before launch showing a cutout at precisely the same spot so as to not obscure whatever was underneath? True, the glint we see above could just be the ambient light sensor... but what fun is that when mongering conspiracy theories?
Now, what if we told you that we're already hearing about the next version of the iPad? Wait, before you go excluding all the Apple news you might like to know that TechCrunch is privy to talk of a larger iPad that functions "more like a Mac than an iPhone." A touchscreen tablet that could be as big as 15.4 inches and runs a touch-enabled version of OS X more similar to that found on today's Mac laptops, desktops, and servers. It's possible, we guess, though such a tablet would be counter to the arguments made at the iPad launch where Jobs and Co praised the device for being purpose-built to excel at specific tasks -- TechCrunch's device sounds like a general purpose machine. Still, it does jibe with talk of a 22-inch iMac with touchscreen so let's wait and see what bubbles up to the surface.
Now, what if we told you that we're already hearing about the next version of the iPad? Wait, before you go excluding all the Apple news you might like to know that TechCrunch is privy to talk of a larger iPad that functions "more like a Mac than an iPhone." A touchscreen tablet that could be as big as 15.4 inches and runs a touch-enabled version of OS X more similar to that found on today's Mac laptops, desktops, and servers. It's possible, we guess, though such a tablet would be counter to the arguments made at the iPad launch where Jobs and Co praised the device for being purpose-built to excel at specific tasks -- TechCrunch's device sounds like a general purpose machine. Still, it does jibe with talk of a 22-inch iMac with touchscreen so let's wait and see what bubbles up to the surface.
Yay, to be honest i was going to buy an ipad anyway but isight possibilities are really enticing, can imagine skype chatting on this already
what did you expect? 2 months, cheaper, less than a year, a much better device. go ahead apple fanboys buy this one, they need money for making the device everybody was expecting.
i am still waiting for the iphone front camera for videochat, i am sure they will sell it as an amazing new feature, something you can have since several years ago in any cheap phone
@pechorin Blah blah blah
@topgearguy There are reasons why iPad won't be fully disclosed to the public. This rumor roundup of the tablet having a camera is not a surprise anymore. I mean, how many times Apple did this on the iPod Touch 1G? Discovering it has bluetooth functionality, later it was released on the 2G model, perhaps the same logic will goes for the ipad, but this time on its 2G model, we will see a camera. Some details: http://bit.ly/apple-ipad-advantages
@topgearguy
http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/1613/appleipadcamera.jpg
HOLY SHIT A SECOND ONE? APPLE REINVENTS THE VIDEO CONFERENCE INDUSTRY
@topgearguy
I myself was considering buying one for the living room too, a front facing camera would be nice add-on but I don't think we'll see it soon(look where iPod touch's camera went), and I'm not gonna wait an entire year for the second generation model.
However, what is holding me back is the lack of multitasking, if apple announce the iPad(and other iDevices too) would get multitasking at launch or in the upcoming iPhone OS 4.0, then it's an instant buy for me.
The first image just looks like a huge arrow pointing into nowhere.. probably just noise in the image
@pechorin They don't "need" the money, they want the money
Doesn't the ipod touch also have space for a camera? Didn't they find that during the teardown? And doesn't the ipad have the capability to run flash?
Sure it might be able to do it all but will he allow it is the question, and with how moody he's been lately I think probably not.
Also they should put the camera on the back, think of the large screen 'enhanced reality' apps that would make possible, and you could sell that to architects to visualizer projects on building sites, putting apple back in the posh home rather than the rabble it's been dwelling with since the iphone got cheaper.
@topgearguy Here's a clearer screenshot: http://imgur.com/9Lpz1.png
@Othi There is a third at the bottom in the middle too.
Rumor has it Jobs left nipple also can be used to capture video.
@Othi
LOL...one of those looks like a proximity sensor and the other one is probably a glossy \ matte covered status LED...no camera...and the part of the article about the *next* apple pad, well; we all know how accurate the original rumors were! I wouldn't pay any attention to them and I would not buy this iSuck product any time soon..wait 5 months and then a 10x better version of it will come out!
@Othi
actually, 3d video conference would be really cool
@pechorin That Apple. Whereas everyone else just releases one device at the cheapest price possible with every single feature possible, Apple bucks the trend because they are so evil.
You are clearly not very well versed in technology. This happens across the board.
@YourMomIsDead Toad? Is that you?
OMG! IPad2 (da for real version) rumors? :|
A 15" tablet sounds good in theory... until you realize that a normal 15" laptop can sit up on its own.
And people can't figure out how to hold a 10" tablet...
@Michael Scrip
I have an HTC Shift 7 inch tablet PC and I can hold that just fine. When I get my iPad, I am sure I will do just fine ;)
The HTC Shift is a good example of an underpowered CPU trying to run a full OS (Vista as standard but I am running windows 7). The CPU is of course chosen to maximise battery power and minimise heat in a very small device. However, I would much rather a similar small device with apps made especially to run perfectly on the CPU.
@turnipy Except you are holding a heavier and larger 10" device, don't underestimate how much can size affects the weight in hand, the center of gravity is farther from the hand, so you'll have to exert more force to hold it.
@Michael Scrip
What do you mean, "...figure out how to hold it"? Most people will hold it with their hands.
IPAD BEST INNOVATION IN THE WORLD GO APPLE GO!! GAY HERE
@Gay Apple Pride
/facepalm
@Gay Apple Pride
I'm gonna go ahead and down-vote you. No, it's not because you're gay. I'm gay, too. And hey, proud to be. But you just called the iPad the best innovation in the world... Yeah...
@Gay Apple Pride IDBSVNL! =8>-()
@SomethingInMyFrontPocket I love you! Gadget-loving gays are hard to find you know..
@pavelgr
Wow... this is a tech blog not a dating service
Didn't some of your team get a hands on? Any light reflecting off those models??
@Douglas lol yeah! You DID get to hold it. Was there a camera in it or not? lol
@Douglas maybe jobs had the only one with a camera
I like how there's still rumors about the iPad... And how Engadget feels the necessity to cover every single one, and make a "roundup" of them all, every two days or so. Nice.
@SomethingInMyFrontPocket
I like how even after engadget provides a way for Apple haters to filter out Apple news, they still feel the need to read & comment on it anyways. Closet Apple lover?
@Soramimi Cake That's true.. Muttering all the time.. if apple news are bad for them so what a hell why are they reading and comment?
@SomethingInMyFrontPocket
Yes! I like it too.
@RMGH
http://www.engadget.com/exclude/apple/rss.xml
Go now.
@jedidove
Well I just opened that link and its first post contains TDKs earphones made for the iPhone. Dont think that link does the job. The iPad still sucks and misses all the features that it should have had:
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/236306_why-the-apple-ipad-will-eventually-fail
@mnhthebest
Just read your article, and I was wondering if you have any past articles about why the iPod wont succeed, or the iPhone would fail? I'm sure they would be just as humorous.
@Steve Ballmer Hmm, Are you not supposed to be on the exclude/apple page?
Now my friends will be Apple to see up my nose :o
please just stop it...
@fokka
Please go here http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/30/do-you-hate-apple-news/
here we go again.
@PattyXXX
Btw, after the iPad comes out, its time for Summer iPhone rumors, then iPod touch in the fall.
Looking forward to the 10.7 preview at WWDC too
hehe
Looks like more and more is "hidden under the covers", eh?
The NEXT Show should be fun.
http://www.engadget.com/exclude/apple/ - so much better to read!
@pavelgr Okay, so I've overreacted, but I am really pissed at Apple of not including a normal OS.
@pavelgr http://engadget.com/exclude/pavelgr
http://engadget.com/exclude/annoying-ipad-comments
No these don't work :p
@Jakob No, they don't, but one time I almost got excluded from school. You can tell, right? :D
@Jakob hahhahaahahaah
Interesting.. I want my ipad now waiting sucks..
@TareG
Actually, this is Glen Murphy, Google Chrome's designer! This concept could be legit.