Do you remember last year when we were anxiously awaiting the release of the iPhone 4? Well, despite Steve Jobs sudden death, Apple isn’t wasting any time. Already there is news of the coming iPhone 5, and anticipation is high. There was even an embarrassing story about a prototype being left in a bar…again! It seems that is becoming the companies official means of testing their new devices.
So with the newest model set to be out sometime in 2012, you are probably already salivating at the thought of this modern marvel of personal technology. But you shouldn’t be so willing to toss the iPhone you currently have, whether it is a 4 or a 3G. Because there are ways you can turn it into an upgrade by making a little cash, or do something worthwhile with it.
Here are a couple of ways you can trade in the old for the new, without scraping it completely.
Sell It
The most obvious solution here is to sell your iPhone used, for less than you paid for it. A lot of people go on the hunt for the last generation on the market once a new product is released. You won’t be able to get a whole lot for it, but it is a good way to make a hundred bucks and some change toward an iPhone 5.
Trade It
A lot of companies that sell Apple products like to resell used phones in past generations in order to sign customers up with affiliated mobile plan companies. So businesses such as Radioshack and Best Buy will sometimes offer you the chance to trade in your old model to get money off a new one once it comes out. They may also offer credit towards other products in their store.
There are also sites that specialize in this trade process. For example, you can go to Gazelle and they pay for the shipping.
Donate It
If you are feeling generous or just want to help someone in need, there are ways of donating your smartphone to organizations that can use it. One of those programs is the brilliant Cell Phone For Soldiers. It gives troops overseas a cell along with a mobile plan so they can contact their families back at home and keep in regular contact. You can get a free postage paid shipping label to print, and then send it in.
The US Association for the University of Peace is also taking donations of iPhones for TechChange, an organization dedicated to the training of aid workers, journalism educations and election monitors in the use of social media and technology for causes and events, by generating awareness online. It is aimed at social change through technology.
Conclusion
It is truly not difficult to unload an iPhone 4, or even an iPhone 3 or 3GS. The beauty of this technology is that while it is constantly updating, the former models still maintain the majority of features. Giving you ample opportunity to do something with the old while you upgrade to the new.
Just pick an option, and you will be in good shape.
Jessy Troy is a geeky writer for Life Insurance Finder, the free app to compare life insurance based in Australia.
Related Posts:
