If anything, January 27 was a special day for the tech world. The iPad was launched under the eyes of the world and many things became clear for us gadget freaks. Yes, Apple was working on a tablet device for years. Yes, it would revolutionize the way we interact with computers. Yes, this might be the first tablet device to actually succeed in the mainstream consumer market. Yes, it would be a 3G connected internet device with communication facilities. But no, unlike all other Apple devices it would not include a built-in iSight webcam camera. Whoa! What just happened here?

Yes, people were a bit perplexed about this one. How could Apple not include something so basic and simple? The costs of an iSight camera are relatively low and everyone uses their webcams these days for video conferencing. It’s become a basic requirement for mobile devices!

The iSight is in fact coming to the iPad

Well, someone might be misinforming the public here. Because the iPad that Steve Jobs was holding in his hands in fact contained a camera. If you look at the photo from the iPad launch you can clearly see a gray circular spot in the center top of the device. That’s an iSight 1.3-megapixel camera. In addition, TechCrunch and Engadget discovered that the iPhone OS 3.2 bet, pa (which is written for the iPad)  includes code for videoconferencing and video calls. Moreover, Apple repair firm Mission Repair reported that it received parts for the iPad including an empty spot at the top in which a standard Apple iSight camera fits. In addition, last Monday the Apple blog PowerBookMedic reported to have received these photos of the Apple iPad plastic frame:

iPad with camera in retail outlets

Will the iPad that hits retail stores in April of this year then actually include the camera? Maybe yes, maybe no. It is more probable that this is a further developed prototype for shipment later. It could be the follow-up to the first iPad similar like the iPhone 3GS came after the original iPhone. Until any iPad hits retail stores, we can only hope that a camera will be included.

Come on, Steve, simple video conferencing on our iPad, it’s not too much to ask for, now is it?

What do you think of Apple’s choice to possibly not include a camera in the first version of the iPad? Smart or ridiculous? Tell me in the comments!