helpful info: upgrading to a newer model?

[justinp]

Here's some helpful information for those of you who want to upgrade to a newer handheld. There's a bunch of sites (and ways) that will take your old handheld and give you cash for it. I've been studying each way very carefully. Basically with most sites you have to figure out how much your device is worth, and then decide if you want to do it. Here's a comparison I made, pay careful attention to the 1-10 scale as it always is (1=worst 10=best). See for yourself though, visit the websites and then let me know what you think.

Criteria Based on:
PROS: whats good
CONS: whats not so good
1) how reasonable values are for used handhelds (1=lowest, 10=highest)
2) how fast they get the money/check to you afterwards (1=slowest, 10=fastest)
3) hassles involved (1=most, 10=least)
4) do they take accessories? (yes, no)
5) do they take any model? (1=least variety, 10=highest variety)
6) do they take broken models? (yes, no)
7) do they let you trade for a new model, give cash, or both? (upgrade, cash)
8) website ease of use (1=most confusing, 10=easiest)
COMMENTS: misc info


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URL: http://********hightech.com
PROS: they'll cover $4 of your shipping charges
CONS: lower values, only accept certain models
REASONABLE VALUES: 2 (they seem rather low)
TURN-AROUND TIME: ?? (couldn't find anywhere)
HASSLES: 5
ACCESSORIES: NO ( I don't think atleast)
MODEL VARIETY: 3 (they only take certain models)
BROKEN UNITS: YES (values are even lower)
TRADE-FOR: CASH
WEBSITE: 7
COMMENTS: I'm not totally sure how the program works- I couldn't find any detailed instructions
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URL: http://www.ebay.com
PROS: you can get great high values
CONS: must be a member, deadbeat bidders, eBay seller fees
REASONABLE VALUES: 10 (especially if you have a good listing)
TURN-AROUND TIME: 5 (slow payments sometimes)
HASSLES: 1 (deadbeat bidders, misc. fees, etc.)
ACCESSORIES: YES (you can sell anything!)
MODEL VARIETY: 10 (you can sell anything!)
BROKEN UNITS: YES
TRADE-FOR: CASH
WEBSITE: 6 (sometime confusing for first-timers)
COMMENTS: You definately get the most for your handheld, but then there's a lot of hassle and other stuff you have to deal with
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http://www.jjpepple.com
PROS: they take any model & accessories, instant quotes for most models, you can upgrade to new models (or get cash)
CONS: doesn't cover your shipping charges
REASONABLE VALUES: 8
TURN-AROUND TIME: 9 (1-2 days)
HASSLES: 9
ACCESSORIES: YES (I think any)
MODEL VARIETY: YES (I think all)
BROKEN UNITS: YES
TRADE-FOR: CASH/UPGRADE (it looks like they sell almost any new model)
WEBSITE: 10 (cool website!)
COMMENTS: I like the instant quotes- you find out right away how much your handheld is worth. FYI: They also take used laptops.
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URL: http://www.sellyourpalm.net
PROS: decent values, simple
CONS: doesn't cover your shipping charges,
REASONABLE VALUES: 8
TURN-AROUND TIME: 9 (2 days)
HASSLES: 7
ACCESSORIES: SOME (e-mail to check)
MODEL VARIETY: YES (almost all)
BROKEN UNITS: YES
TRADE-FOR: CASH (they also sell specific models, but transactions are separate, not related)
WEBSITE: 7
COMMENTS: Simple, easy website
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Hope this helps,

Justin