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Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
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A pair of images showing claimed cases for the next-generation iPad have surfaced, with the images and accompanying information suggesting that the device may sport both a rear-facing camera and an SD card slot.


110350-shenzhen_mactop_ipad_2_case.jpg


One image comes from Shenzhen MacTop Electronics (via iLounge) and depicts the rear shell of a white case claimed to be for the next-generation iPad. An opening in the top left corner of the case suggests that, if the case design is based on actual knowledge of the product, the next iPad will feature a rear-facing camera.

A front-facing camera has been widely expected to be included in the next-generation iPad as Apple seeks to expand availability of its FaceTime video chat service, but there have been conflicting reports as to whether the company will also include a rear-facing camera.

The case also features an opening on the side in the location of the mute switch and volume rocker on the present model, as well as an opening in the center of the bottom, presumably for the dock connector. A second, larger opening is located to the left of the dock connector, in the present location of the device's speaker.


110351-kodawarisan_ipad_2_case_500.jpg


A second image, posted at Kodawarisan [Google translation], shows a pair of back shells in white and black for cases also claimed to be for the next-generation iPad. As in the other image, these cases show an opening for a rear-facing camera in the top left corner.

Also visible is a hole at the right side of the top edge of the case in the location of the headphone jack on the current model, as well as a side opening in the location of the current mute switch and volume rocker, although the opening appears smaller than would be required for the present layout. While accommodation for the dock connector is not readily visible in this image, the mysterious large opening to the left of the dock is present.

Interestingly, the description accompanying the image makes mention not only of a FaceTime camera but also an SD card slot. It is unknown, however, whether the opening at the bottom left is intended to be for such a slot. The current iPad lacks an SD card slot, with Apple offering a $29 kit providing a pair adapters to allow users to move photos to their iPads via either SD card or USB through the device's dock connector.

Article Link: Claimed Next-Generation iPad Cases Suggest Rear-Facing Camera, SD Card Slot?
 

rosalindavenue

macrumors 6502a
Dec 13, 2003
857
284
Virginia, USA
I am very skeptical about the SD card reader. It just does not seem like Apple. If they haven't put one in a laptop yet, why would they ever consider one in an ipad? If they did put one in, they would have to restrict it so that it could not be used as memory expansion (killing sales of a 32 or 64 version).

EDIT: Whoops-- I was unaware that the card slots had been added; my macbook is an 08 model.....
 
Last edited:

GeekLawyer

macrumors 68020
I am very skeptical about the SD card reader. It just does not seem like Apple. If they haven't one in a laptop yet, why would they ever consider one in an ipad? If they did put one in, they would have to restrict it so that it could not be used as memory expansion (killing sales of a 32 or 64 version).
They are putting SD card readers into MacBook Pros and the 13" MB Air...
 

Mac21ND

macrumors 6502a
Jun 6, 2007
724
167
SD cards would offer some flexibility for transferring files to and from - although I don't know alot of people who carry an SD card as opposed to use a USB flash drive.

(?)
 

mwayne85

macrumors regular
Feb 11, 2009
166
29
I am very skeptical about the SD card reader. It just does not seem like Apple. If they haven't one in a laptop yet, why would they ever consider one in an ipad? If they did put one in, they would have to restrict it so that it could not be used as memory expansion (killing sales of a 32 or 64 version).

The Macbooks do have SD Card slots. But I agree, I'm skeptical about this as well. Especially the placement of it. I also don't see the need for a rear-facing camera. I believe there will be a facetime camera though.
 

spazzcat

macrumors 601
Jun 29, 2007
4,156
5,955
I don't get why you want a rear-facing camera in an iPad. still think you will be looking up people nose's with a front one and facetime.
 

quagmire

macrumors 604
Apr 19, 2004
6,984
2,488
So Apple is going down the same path as the iPhone?

1st gen aluminum back

2nd gen- plastic back

3rd gen- plastic

4th gen- glass

:p

Seriously, why are they going to plastic?

I hope this is a Chinese-knock off or fake.
 

bartszyszka

macrumors member
Dec 7, 2004
66
85
New York, NY
It seems weird to me that they would need such a large gap for just a memory card. On iMacs and MacBook Pro's it's a slot about the size of a dock connector slot. Maybe this is for someone else's tablet?
 

Mac21ND

macrumors 6502a
Jun 6, 2007
724
167
Even if there's an SD card, why the large notch out? SD cards would enter from the bottom and be flush like the dock connector.

If the case is correct, I would guess toward some type of controls when you're holding the iPad in landscape view. Your right hand would be toward the top right of the iPad then.
 

jonessodarally

macrumors member
Oct 18, 2006
76
1
That big opening reminds me of one I saw cut into a case for the original MacBook Air (with the pop-out ports that tucked away when you didn't need them). I wonder if they revamped that for the iPad, possibly with SD or USB ports there.

Just speculating. :rolleyes:
 

GilsMethod

macrumors member
Jun 24, 2010
35
0
Miami, FL
If this case represents what the iPad 2 will look like then you can forget about docking port on the side as some have suggested. It does look like there may be an SD slot coming...I know it's not an Apple thing, but it would finally bring expandable storage space to an iOS device, which would bridge the functionality gap with competitors.
 

Mac21ND

macrumors 6502a
Jun 6, 2007
724
167
That big opening reminds me of one I saw cut into a case for the original MacBook Air (with the pop-out ports that tucked away when you didn't need them). I wonder if they revamped that for the iPad, possibly with SD or USB ports there.

Just speculating. :rolleyes:

Great guess! Yes, that would work.
 

thatisme

macrumors 6502
Mar 23, 2010
485
106
United States
Highly doubtful. I can't see apple going to a weaker case with all those cutouts... I can see, however, the chinese knock-off ePad with that case. I think they are made near the same place....

I would not expect Apple to ditch the Aluminum back. I also would not expect a SD card slot since there is a dongle for that already. Possibly, there could be a USB port, but until iOS has a file structure system that you can access, that port would be useless (or severely limited)
 

Intarweb

macrumors 6502a
May 30, 2007
561
0
So Apple is going down the same path as the iPhone?

1st gen aluminum back

2nd gen- plastic back

3rd gen- plastic

4th gen- glass

:p

Seriously, why are they going to plastic?

I hope this is a Chinese-knock off or fake.

It's a case, not the shell of the iPad.
 

chris975d

macrumors 68000
Sep 21, 2008
1,795
55
Georgia, USA
So Apple is going down the same path as the iPhone?

1st gen aluminum back

2nd gen- plastic back

3rd gen- plastic

4th gen- glass

:p

Seriously, why are they going to plastic?

I hope this is a Chinese-knock off or fake.

The way that I take this report is that these are images of add on covers that would protect the back of the iPad from scratches, not the actual back of the device itself. Like how we have the Incipio Feather snap on shells now for it.
 

ivladster

macrumors 6502
Jun 29, 2007
480
9
Washington DC
I don't get why you want a rear-facing camera in an iPad. still think you will be looking up people nose's with a front one and facetime.

It may not be for taking pictures and more about gaming and augmented reality. Apple might have some cool new feature, you never know.
 

Intarweb

macrumors 6502a
May 30, 2007
561
0
Before Mactards get their panties in an uproar, I'll repeat, this is a CASE for the iPad 2, NOT the shell for the iPad 2.
 
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