Pictures follow earlier report detailing internals

Following an earlier report showing FCC pictures of the iPad's internal components, additional images of the external housing have surfaced. Although Apple's website provides pictures of the 3G-enabled model, most of the marketing material shows the Wi-Fi-only variant that maintains the solid aluminum surface across the entire back panel.

The 3G model can be distinguished by a black band that runs across the top edge of the housing, visible from the front and back. The internal photos show an Infineon 3G baseband chip and related components placed directly below the top edge. The band may be necessary to maintain signal strength underneath the aluminum housing, in a similar way to the small black oval located on the back of an iPod touch.

Many customers who pre-ordered the iPad can expect the devices to arrive on Saturday.

by MacNN Staff