Last week, it was revealed that Microsoft Store retail locations were taking old iPads in exchange for in-store gift cards worth at least $200. Now the company has revealed yet another trade-in program that is open to anyone online, and this effort could help users even more than with the Microsoft Store deal, if they have enough patience.
The website, which is organized for Microsoft by Clover Wireless, is designed to accept nearly any smartphone and tablet for trade. Users sign up on the site and list which device or devices they wish to trade in. The site then gives a monetary offer for the value of those devices, and users are sent a shipping label and instructions on how to mail in those old gadgets to Clover Wireless.
After that is done, users have up to 30 days to purchase a new Windows tablet, such as the Surface, or Windows Phone device. Once that is done, those owners need to show a proof of purchase of said product to Clover Wireless. The company will then send a pre-paid Visa card with the amount of money for the older products they traded in within 60 days.
Yes, it"s complicated. Yes, it takes a long time to finally get your rebate money, which technically can"t be used to actually purchase a Surface tablet like the Microsoft Store offer does. However, if you don"t live near a Microsoft Store, this might be a good alternative.
Source: Microsoft/Clover Wireless via ZDNet | Image via Microsoft