By Carl Laron on March 14, 2012 in
Are you one of the multitudes that have caught iPad fever? Apple has sold out online for Friday delivery of the new, 3rd generation iPad, with waits now extending out for two to three weeks at last look. Planning to line up on Friday to get one in-store? Expect a bit of company as some analysts are predicting that as many as 1 million new iPads will be sold that day alone -- and yes, some eager souls (or, as Gizmodo calls them, "pathetic iPad line goons") are already camping out. But for those that already own a 1st or 2nd generation iPad, have you given any thought to what's to become of your former love when your shiny new one finally reaches your hands? Here are some ideas.
Pass it down, pass it up ... or trade it in?
There's no reason to toss your old iPad into that closet with your assortment of discarded tech products. The iPad 2 -- and even the first generation iPad -- might not be as powerful or have as nice a screen as the new iPad, but for many, it still could be everything they need or want in a tablet computer.
For example, Tony Bradley at PC World offers six things businesses could do with an old iPad. Kevin Purcell at GottaBeMobile.com explains that for his family, the practice of handing down old tech has become a tradition, and that will hold for his soon-to-be replaced iPad 2. And don't forget your parents, or even grandparents: USA Today relays the story of how a hand-me-up iPad helped a 70-year old who had never used a computer become more connected to her family and others.
And if none of that is right for you, you can always sell your old iPad for a surprisingly nice chunk of change -- and lots and lots of people are doing just that. The best return can probably be had by listing it on eBay or Craigslist, though it's certainly not the easiest approach as your iPad might not sell right away -- or at all -- and you need to keep an eye out for the scam artists that might come your way (here are some safe selling and buying tips for those marketplaces).
If you'd rather skip the hassle of selling it directly to another user, there are plenty of businesses ready and eager to take your old iPad or iPad 2 off of your hands. In addition to sale and auction listings, eBay also offers an Instant Sale option that lets you sell items such as an iPad to one of that site's retailers. Similarly, Amazon has a trade-in program, but you are paid via an Amazon gift card rather than cash, CNET reports. Prices at last look were higher than eBay, though.
There are lots of other stores and sites looking for your old iPad as well. Mashable lists some of the options, as does USA Today. While both articles list example prices, those can vary with supply and demand, so check things out on your own to find the deal and the terms that make you most comfortable.
Finally, if you plan to sell your old iPad, or even intend to just pass it on to a friend or relative, be sure to give it the send-off it deserves by cleaning it up -- and cleaning out your personal data and files. See TUAW (The Unofficial Apple Weblog) for the steps to follow.
See Our Recommendations
