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Sonos offers its early adopters a 30 percent trade-in offer on new speakers
If you've been hanging onto an old Sonos speaker for forever but have been interested in switching to a recent model such as Move, One or Port, the company might tempt you further with its Trade Up program. If you have an eligible speaker, you can claim 30 percent off a new one and recycle your existing product.
Samsung opens up Galaxy Note 10 reservations before official reveal
Samsung has opened up Galaxy Note 10 reservations a couple of weeks ahead of officially revealing the phone at its Unpacked event on August 7th. You can submit your name and contact details to make sure you have early access to pre-orders, and if you do reserve a spot by August 7th, you'll receive $50 credit towards certain devices and accessories.
eBay Quick Sale is an easy way to sell your used phone
There are plenty of places to sell your used phone, and eBay has traditionally been one of them. But the online auction giant is now offering its own trade-in program that buys your old-gen handsets without you having to go to the trouble of auctioning it off yourself. The new Quick Sale feature accepts devices from dozens of brands, including Apple, Samsung, HTC, ZTE, Motorola and Nokia, as well as smaller companies such as Kyocera, blu, Pantech and DOOGEE.
Apple will reportedly accept damaged iPhones for trade-in
Apple's iPhone recycling program is handy for getting rid of your old handset when you buy a new one. However, the initiative doesn't allow customers to trade in older models if they have screen damage, a broken camera or buttons that don't work. 9to5Mac reports that the policy is about to change. Apple is reportedly prepping to expand the recycling/trade-in program to accept iPhone 5, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus phones with a reasonable amount of damage. The company is said to offer credits of $50, $200 and $250 for those devices, respectively.
Amazon UK is ending book and video game trade-ins
Did you know that Amazon UK accepts book and video game trade-ins? Nope, me neither. It seems plenty of other customers were oblivious, or at least haven't been using it, because the company has announced that the option is soon disappearing. The section of Amazon's site which lets you specify your trade-ins will go dark on August 31st, after which you'll have seven days to mail out your physical media. Of course, if you're still prepared to thin your library in order to accrue extra cash, you can still set up shop and sell directly through Amazon Marketplace. Otherwise, there's always GAME, CeX and eBay.
Argos now lets you trade-in old phones and tablets
What do you do with old gadgets that you no longer use? Give them away to relatives, or throw them in the bin? Argos is the latest UK company to jump into the trade-in business, offering cash for your unwanted phones and tablets. Plenty of smartphone trade-in companies operate on the web, such as Envirofone and Mazuma Mobile, but few have a high street presence like Argos. The company hopes that customers will prefer the convenience of walking into a store, getting a quote and then immediately receiving a gift card that can be used to buy something new. As the Guardian reports, Argos wants to expand the scheme to include cameras, laptops and other electrical devices in the future. Just like Game and CeX, however, its success will inevitably hinge on the prices being offered to consumers. If Argos is too stingy, the convenience will be irrelevant -- people will simply hold onto their devices or offload them through other avenues such as eBay.
GameStop's trade-in pricing is now less confusing
You've brushed up on memorizing lines of dialog from Goldeneye, yeah? Well good, because they'll come in handy now that GameStop has confirmed the specifics of its new system for selling back the games you no longer want. The outfit has issued a press release that it's moving from a ten price-point system for trade values down to four: cash, credit and cash or credit with its in-store loyalty system -- the latter of which will net the most for your transaction. What's it all mean? Well, apparently there are now over 100 titles that are worth at least $20 should you want to pre-order Destiny come August 18th. We wouldn't count on any of them being more than a year old, though. [Image credit: Alamy]
Apple trims max iPhone trade-in value in US, Canada
Last August, Apple launched its iPhone trade-in program in Apple Stores across the United States, offering up to $250 of trade-in credit for top of the line devices. Now, with the impending release of the iPhone 6 this fall, prices have dropped. iPhone Canada noticed that the maximum trade-in value for an iPhone has fallen from $250 to $225. However, it's important to check online before making your choice. Using Apple's online Reuse and Recycle option we were able to find an offer of $255 for a 64 GB black iPhone 5 on Verizon. The same phone on ATT only offered up $205. There's large amount of variation between carriers and models, so do your research before you make your final decision. As current models of the iPhone age they decrease in value, but there are still other options available for people looking to get top dollar for their old iPhone. Gazelle and eBay both regularly fetch higher prices for old iPhones than Apple's official trade-in program. It may not be as convenient as dropping into the Apple Store and trading in your device for store credit, but you'll get more money. Apple recently expanded its trade-in program to Italy.
Apple launches iPhone trade-in program in the UK
Apple has officially launched its iPhone trade-in program in the UK. Officially called the Reuse and Recycling Program, the initiative allows users to receive in-store credit for their current mobile phone to use towards the purchase of a new iPhone. The iPhone trade-in program has been live in the US for some time, but its UK launch marks new territory. To be sure, you're still better of selling your old iPhone yourself -- via services like eBay or Gumtree -- as Apple doesn't give you as much money for your device as you could otherwise get. For example, an unlocked black, 32 GB iPhone 5 in perfect condition only nets you £230 from Apple, while you could easily get over £400 for such a device on Gumtree. Still, the program will benefit those who want a simple and fast way to get credit for their old phones when buying a new iPhone.
Apple's iPhone trade-in program hits its retail stores today (updated)
Well folks, it seems the rumblings we heard earlier this week were indeed true. CNBC has confirmed that Apple's iPhone trade-in program -- officially labled the iPhone Reuse and Recycling Program -- is starting up in the outfit's retail stores today. According to 9to5Mac, trade-ins will be offered for iPhone 3G up to the iPhone 5 with customers receiving a gift card for the determined value of their devices. Phones will then be handed over to BrightStar for recycling. It's worth noting that these number fluctuate, so there's no way of accurately calculating what a local shop will offer up. Of course, timing is everything, and folks looking to recoup some funds ahead of the anticipated iPhone 5S announcement now have an option. Update: We reached out to Apple on the matter and here's the response: "iPhones hold great value. So, Apple Retail Stores are launching a new program to assist customers who wish to bring in their previous-generation iPhone for reuse or recycling. In addition to helping support the environment, customers will be able to receive a credit for their returned phone that they can use toward the purchase of a new iPhone."
Walmart launches trade-in program with special iOS offers till August 25
Trade-in programs are common among big retailers like Best Buy and Amazon, but there's one ubiquitous icon in the American marketplace that has up until now not dipped its toe in the water of buybacks. You know it as Walmart. This week Walmart is launching a new program called "Gadget to Gift Cards," an online trade-in program that offers instant money transfers for used electronics. Customers visit www.Walmart.com/gadgetstogiftcards to find out what their iOS devices and other hardware are worth. As a special incentive for the launch of the program, the company is running a promotion offering $225 for an iPhone 4S 64GB and $250 for the iPad 3 through August 25. Considering the best offer we could find on Gazelle for a used iPhone 4S 64GB was $210 for a "flawless" unit, this current trade in promotion could be attractive to some readers. Of course, for less impressive models, the price is considerably lower. My iPhone 4S 16GB would only net me $82.50, and that money is delivered via a gift card that can only be used at Walmart. All devices must be sent in within 10 days. When you confirm your order, Walmart sends you a free shipping label and instant e-card that's redeemable at any of the company's stores in the US or at Walmart.com, pending credit approval from BillMeLater. If the customer cannot pass the BillMeLater check, they will be paid when Walmart receives their device and verifies its condition. The trade-in site is currently live. If you've been thinking about trading in your iOS device and need the cash, the current special offers for iPhone and iPad end on August 25.
GameStop confirms June 1 end to PlayStation 2 trade-ins, will continue selling used stock 'for several months'
GameStop is shuttering its PlayStation 2 trade-in business as of June 1st, a company spokesperson confirmed to Engadget. "We can confirm that as of June 1st we will no longer be accepting the PS2 console or its related product for trades," the statement reads. Several of GameStop's retail locations confirmed to our sister site Joystiq that the June 1st date was accurate after a Reddit posting showed what appeared to be an in-store sign saying as much, and the statement today offers a bit more detail. For instance, GameStop won't end sales of used PlayStation 2 hardware, software and accessories -- both in store and online -- until "several months" after the June 1 cutoff. Those sales, of course, depend on "remaining stock from trades." Additionally, GameStop reminded us that it's totally pumped for the upcoming PlayStation 4. "We are very excited about the upcoming PS4 and are making room in our stores for it and other new platforms expected this fall," the statement says. And hey, with all the extra space available in GameStop stores by "holiday 2013" (when the PS4 is expected to land at retail), it looks like GameStop will be ready for business. For GameStop's full statement, head below.
PSA: Apple offering up to $320 if you trade in your iPad 2 in reuse and recycling program
Eyeing the iPad 3, but have yet to take the pre-order plunge? Per The Next Web, your patience is about to be rewarded as Apple's updated its Reuse and Recycling program, which means owners of iPad 2s in "good condition" can sling them back to their maker in exchange for an Apple Store gift card. How much the mothership will subsequently send back naturally varies on what iPad 2 you've got -- ranging anywhere from $205 for the base 16GB WiFi model, all the way to $320 for the most capacious 64GB WiFi + 3G variant. Or you could try your luck with similar programs such as eBay's Instant Sale or the one from Cupertino's tablet rival to the north. And would you look at that, we've even gone ahead and put links to all three just below.
Motorola asks business users to defect, offers $200 for new Android handset purchase
Motorola Mobility wants business users on Android handsets, and to accomplish this the company has decided to put its money where its mouth is. Starting today, Moto will offer up to $200 to smartphone users that trade in their old, BLUR-less set for a new Android device. The company is also offering converts its MotoAssist service, which should -- in theory -- make the data migration process as painless as possible. The Droid RAZR Maxx, Droid 4 and Atrix 2 are just a few of the handsets up for grabs. Saunter on past the break for the full PR, and be sure to let us know if a pair of Benjamins in your pocket is just what you've been waiting for to make the switch.
Verizon wants you to upgrade to a smartphone, offering $100 gift card in exchange?
How much is Verizon willing to pay you to switch from a basic phone to a smartphone? A cool $100, according to rumors. The provider is reportedly gearing up to launch a new offer aimed at encouraging more customers to get with the times, as part of its trade-in program. Under the incentive, basic phone users eligible for a two-year upgrade (or those who qualify for an early upgrade) would be able to re-sign a two-year contract, tack on a data plan and purchase a new smartphone at a reduced price. Once that's done, they'll receive a PIN code for Verizon's trade-in site, where they'll find instructions on how to send in their old phones to receive a $100 gift card. A tipster told Phone Arena that the offer will run from August 18th to September 30th, though it remains unclear whether it will be regional or nationwide. For more details, check out the source link, below.
HTC Thunderbolt issues abound, but a fix is on the way
As if the one-call-wonder's battery life wasn't enough, the update pushed out to HTC Thunderbolt owners a couple weeks back has some devices randomly rebooting. Verizon and HTC have said they're working on the issue, but that's of little comfort to customers whose phones are spontaneously restarting several times a day. If you were hoping to solve the issue by installing the leaked version of Gingerbread, we've got bad news -- there have been a number of reports at the XDA Developers Forums that the Sensed-up version of Android 2.3 is bricking phones and sending them into an endless bootloop. But don't despair, a fix could be arriving soon. A source at Verizon told Droid Life that Thunderbolt-owning employees "may be entitled" to a software update before it gets rolled out to the general public -- presumably a final test run for that reboot repressing patch. If you're too impatient to wait for yet another firmware update, you can apparently stroll down to your local VZW store and simply trade in your troublesome T-Bolt for a new one. Just make sure it's running the older software before you take it home.
Amazon adds electronics, including iOS devices, to trade-in program
Amazon has added a host of electronic devices -- including iOS devices -- to its trade-in program. The Electronics Trade-In program is currently in beta and allows users to mail in their old, unwanted devices in exchange for Amazon gift card credits. Devices must be in working order and good cosmetic condition. A third-party merchant, not Amazon, is actually the one buying the used devices. The prices are actually more generous than I thought they'd be. I sold an original 4 GB iPhone on Craigslist a while back and had trouble getting US$75 for it. Amazon's trade-in program currently offers up to $69 for the same iPhone. A sampling of other iOS device trade-in prices includes up to $114 for iPod classics, $235 for first-gen 16 GB Wi-Fi iPads and $162 for an 8 GB iPhone 3GS. That's definitely way more than you'll get if you let your old iPhone rattle around in a desk drawer after upgrading to a new one.
Amazon adds electronics to trade-in program, pawns 2,550 gadgets and counting
If you've got some spare gadgets and need to make a quick buck gift card, there are any number of ways -- Walmart, Target, Best Buy and even eBay will instantly quote you a dollar figure these days. Now, Amazon is joining their ranks as the latest firm eager to stockpile still-somewhat-valuable tech, by adding electronics as the latest category for trade-ins. Pick from the 2,550 items currently recognized and describe the condition your camera / GPS / calculator is in, and Amazon will let you know how many dollars worth of credit it can give you alongside a prepaid shipping label. We can't tell if Amazon will give you better deals than the competition, but this beautiful brown Zune did fairly well. Never you mind that it typically sells for upwards of $40 at auction -- Amazon has mouths to feed, you know?
Best Buy's Buy Back Program will let you trade in old tat for new hotness
Best Buy's crafty ploy for the new year has seemingly been uncovered by BGR's tipsters. According to those knowledgeable sources (and the paperwork they've passed along), Best Buy intends to roll out a new Buy Back Program, which will guarantee a given trade-in value for your gadgets, depending on how old they are. Thus, any laptop, tablet, or smartphone you buy from the retailer will be tradeable for 50 percent of its original price within six months of purchase, 40 percent before the first year passes, 30 in the 12- to 18-month period, or 20 in the dying embers of a two-year ownership period. That's pretty hefty depreciation and you'll have to pay an up-front fee to get enrolled in the Program, but hey, if you upgrade like mad, maybe there's some way to make this a financially appealing proposition for the consumer. Maybe... though probably not.
Dell offering free Venue Pros to employees in exchange for their BlackBerrys
You'd think working for a big tech company would have its gadget-related perks and in Dell's case that's very much true. The big PC vendor has demonstrated its commitment to building up its own smartphone services by offering to trade employees' old and busted BlackBerry devices for the shiny new hotness that is the Venue Pro. If everyone takes up Round Rock on its offer, there'll be 25,000 RIM smartphones looking for new homes soon, along with a sprightly start to Windows Phone 7's time in the limelight. The Wall Street Journal reports this'll cut Dell's mobile communications bill by a quarter, thanks to no longer having to support BlackBerry servers, while also noting that Android variants will be made available in the future as well. Where there's Lightning, there's gotta be Thunder, right?
