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Top places to trade a third-generation, not-so ‘new’ iPad for cash or credit

So…I have the new iPad, err, the third-generation iPad, and its value tanked by 30 percent to 50 percent in the last 24 hours thanks to the fourth-generation iPad and iPad mini unveiling at the California Theatre yesterday.

I now have a few decisions to make. I can keep my iPad and wait for a larger update in the fifth-generation iPad. I could also trade my iPad for money or credit to buy the fourth-generation iPad, or I can even use the trade-in money for my iPad to get the iPad mini and then keep the extra dough for myself.

I actually decided to take a fourth option: I am going to trade my not-so new iPad and my dusty ‘ole first-generation iPad for credit to go toward the fourth-generation iPad. This way, I will be up to date. I will also get more bang for my trade-in buck when Apple releases the fifth-generation iPad (next fall?), as I will have the latest version. As for the iPad mini, I guess I will have to shell out extra money for it. I could always trade my old iPhones to get cash for it, though…but more on that here.

9to5Mac has you covered, for whichever path you choose, as we have compiled another list of the top trade-in places for cash or credit.

Check out the top 13 list below.

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1. Amazon: Amazon offers the best trade-in value for the third-generation iPad—hands down. Unfortunately, it only offers Amazon gift cards as credit. Even more unfortunately: Amazon.com gift cards cannot be used on AmazonWireless. So, if you use this option, you are just trading the iPad for spending on Amazon’s marketplace. So, it’s not exactly the best option for those looking to trade up. The 16GB iPad (Wi-Fi, Black) gets up to $365, while the 64GB iPad (Wi-Fi + AT&T 4G, Black) gets up to $650.

2. eBay: As the first online garage sale, essentially, it make sense for it to provide a decent trade-in program with cash dispensed through PayPal. The e-commerce service also provides free shipping and automatic quotes. The iPad 3 (Wi-Fi 16 GB) gets up to $286, while the iPad 3 (Wi-Fi + 4G Verizon 64GB) gets up to $300. Interestingly, the iPad 3 (Wi-Fi + 4G AT&T 64GB) gets up to $520.

3. Gazelle: Gazelle offers multiple ways to collect trade-in cash either through a check, PayPal, or Amazon.com gift card. The gift card option will grant 5 percent more than the quoted value; but as we said above, it is no good at Amazon Wireless. Oh, and Gazelle features free shipping. The 16GB iPad (Wi-Fi) gets up to $250, while the 64GB iPad (Wi-Fi + AT&T 4G) gets up to $495.

4. NextWorth: NextWorth offers cash via PayPal, check, or Target gift card—with free shipping. The service also partnered with Target online to extend the same program to those online shoppers. NextWorth does not display prices up front, and it requires a questionnaire about an iPad’s condition before giving quotes, but it has a $20 refer-a-friend bonus for each new customer (friends will also get an extra 5 percent bonus for their trade, too). The 16GB iPad (Wi-Fi, White) gets up to $265, while the 64GB iPad (Wi-Fi + Verizon 4G) gets up to $300.

Nextworth is also offering a special promo code for an extra 10 percent on any model of the iPad:

The promo code to use during checkout on NextWorth.com is “MINI” and the 10 percent bonus value is honored for any model and condition of iPod and iPad. The promotion is good until November 10, and consumers will have the 21-day price lock before needing to send in their old devices.

5. GameStop: GameStop is a bit more troublesome, because folks need to visit a physical store to swap an iPad. Print the online quotes, go to the store, and then a store associate will examine the tablet and offer cash or store credit for an exchange. Values dip drastically, however, if you choose cash over stored credit as a payout option. Fortunately, through this method, shipping is no longer a headache. The 16GB iPad (Wi-Fi) gets up to $129, while the 64GB iPad (Wi-Fi + Verizon 4G) gets up to $499.

6. Best Buy: BestBuy is one of the more simpler services for trading an iPad. Simply select the model, choose its quality, and add it to the cart. The retailer warned that actual trade-ins would vary according to condition, accessories, and other factors. It does not list iPad 3 values yet, but those looking to trade an older-generation iPad such as iPad 2 (Wi-Fi, 32GB, Black) could get up to $227.

7. RadioShack: RadioShack touts in-store and online options for exchanging an iPad. In fine print, on the bottom of the website, however, the retailer said trade-ins are subject to applicable processing fees and must include chargers, cables, or other accessories. The 16GB iPad (Wi-Fi) gets up to $201, while the 64GB iPad (Wi-Fi + AT&T 4G) gets up to $400.

8. Apple’s Recycling Program: Apple’s Recycling Program issues an Apple gift card by mail that works at any Apple retail store or the Apple online store when swapping an iPad. The company even grants free shipping and packaging for the trade-in process generated by PowerOn. The 16GB iPad (Wi-Fi) gets up to $260, while the 64GB iPad (Wi-Fi + 4G, White) gets up to $460.

9. PowerMax: PowerMax does not show quotes on the website. It requests a questionnaire about the iPad, and then it will contact prospective traders within minutes. “By trading in, you have a seamless transaction with the trusted folks at PowerMax, who have done this for nearly two decades. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s secure,” contends the e-commerce service. PowerMax advertises that consumers can receive a check or credit for the agreed-upon amount, but a response e-mail from the website indicated it only permits trades for store credit. The exchange process also takes four weeks to six weeks.

10. Craigslist: This is not a trade-in program, but it is still a feasible option. It is easy to quickly post the specs of a tablet with a desired asking price. It is also free to post, but some may whine over the packaging and shipping hassle—hence its No. 10 spot on this list. Nevertheless, Craigslist is a popular website perfectly capable of matchmaking sellers to potential buyers.

11. Verizon Wireless: The Verizon Wireless Trade-In Program determines the value of Wi-Fi and Verizon-enabled iPads,  in just four simple steps, and it offers a Verizon Wireless electronic gift card via e-mail. The 16GB iPad 3 (Wi-Fi), for instance, gets up to $190, while the 64GB iPad 3 (3G) gets up to $210.

12. Glyde: While Glyde is not a typical trade-in program, it makes it easy for consumers to buy and sell used electronics. It essentially provides consumers with “unique insight into the resale market for used electronics.” It can also give up-to-date and accurate pricing for old iPad models with trends and geographical data. Glyde even offers “speed sale” and “set reminder” options for the streamlining process, as well as additional tips and advice on the best time to sell old tablets to make the most money. The 16GB iPad (Wi-Fi) market price is $380, while the 64GB iPad (Wi-Fi + 4G, Black) market price is $603.

13. iCracked: iCracked is another very simple service for trading an iPad. It offers payout options through check, PayPal, or Recycle&Donate. iCracked offers consumers the option of donating their payout to one of four U.S. charities: the American Red Cross, the USO, the Nature Conservatory, and the American Cancer Society. Also, iCracked offers a Cracked Screen Only condition that qualifies for a higher payout than a Broken condition (often, twice as high). The 16GB iPad (Wi-Fi) gets up to $300, while the 64GB iPad (Wi-Fi + 4G, Verizon) gets up to $520. Meanwhile, a cracked-screen 64GB iPad (Wi-Fi + 4G, Verizon) gets up to $365.

Please remember that quoted values are subject to change.

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