While the iPad never shipped with dual dock connectors (one for portrait and one for landscape), it was hinted that Apple was considering it, as seen in patent applications and leaked images. The two dock connectors never made the cut however, never appearing on any final iPad design and this was most likely due to the need for simplicity. A new eBay auction today sheds some light on old rumors however, this “prototype” iPad which is up for auction has dual dock connectors, something we have never seen in a semi-complete iPad form. So how do we know this isn’t fake? Well there are several reasons for us to consider this as being real, for one the iPad prototype is running SwitchBoard testing software, which is software Apple uses for diagnostics and benchmarking on it’s prototype devices. The prototype iPad also has markings and product numbers on it, and MacRumors did a check on these numbers and they appear to be numbers used prior to the original iPads launch suggesting this as being real. If it was fake, it would be one fantastic job that the lister, “aaps69″ put together.

The iPad isn’t actually marked specifically with the name “iPad”, instead it’s marked with “X”‘s for the device’s battery rating, and has placeholder text for the Broadcom Wi-Fi chip inside of the device. As of now the bidding is up to $4,850, the auction closes tonight so if you want to get in on it we recommend doing so soon, or just prior to it’s ending as many eBay auctions do. We’ll provide the link below to the auction, as well as a gallery of images of the prototype device below.

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[Via: MacRumors, TechnoBuffalo, Engadget, The eBay Auction (click here)]