The new iPad 2 from Apple could come with a whole host of tech to help it maintain its lead in the tablet space, according to online rumours.

Speaking to a 'trusted' source, Engadget is claiming that the new tablet will be coming with an SD card slot built into the chassis.

OK, it's not the USB slot that we've all been waiting for, but does mark a departure from Apple's non-expansion strategy if true.

The iPad 2 will also be thinner than the first model, although will remain at the same 10-inch screen size, according to Engadget's source.

High res display

The new device will have a display that is 'similar' to the iPhone 4's Retina Display, but won't be exactly the same – achieving the same pixel density on a unit that size would be very difficult though.

Front and rear cameras are also on the agenda, which makes sense given the amount that are being plugged into the new Android tablets, so expect FaceTime to be plugged in a big way when Jobs takes to the stage to announce this.

The source also claims that an April release (which likely means a UK release date too) is on the cards for the iPad 2, so it seems Apple is going to keep its yearly product cycle going with this gadget too.

From Engadget