“iPad frame leak shows webcam-sized gap”

It seems unlikely that Apple will add a new feature to the first-gen iPad before it has even launched, at least not when it comes to hardware, leaving the possibility that they plan a second-generation version using the same frame assembly. Of course, we’ll have to wait for the inevitable teardown post-release to know what’s inside for sure.

It’s absurd to think that Apple, with their state-of-the-art aluminum-milling factories they’re so proud of, would need or want or have any reason whatsoever to plan ahead some space for the iPad 2’s webcam components.

There’s still a minuscule chance that the video-conferencing reveal would be “one more thing” on the March keynote, but it’s more likely that removing the iSight (from all models, even the wifi ones, so that the more expensive model doesn’t looked gimped) was AT&T’s condition for that advantageous contract-free data plan.