Microsoft adds Android and BlackBerry devices to trade-in program, offers up to $350

By Trevor Mogg September 19, 2013

microsoft expands trade in program clover — Image used with permission by copyright holder

It was less than a week ago that Microsoft launched a trade-in program offering iPad owners the chance to swap their tablet for a gift card to put towards a Surface tablet or some such product made by the Redmond-based company.

It’s not sure how many people have so far taken advantage of the limited-time offer to offload their Apple slate, but either way, Microsoft has decided to expand the program to involve phones, tablets and PCs manufactured by just about any company you can think of. In the cell phone section, for example, no less than 50 are listed.

Spotted by ZDNet (via this tech blog), the offer, which Microsoft says is open to “anyone”, works slightly differently to the iPad deal, with this one operating over the Web rather than at select Microsoft stores.

“Get up to $350 back when you trade up from an old iPad, iPhone or other device to a new Windows Phone or Tablet,” Microsoft says on a webpage promoting the offer.

The company has partnered with Clover Wireless – a firm that specializes in take-back programs and recycling solutions – for this latest deal, and is offering it to individuals who want to offload a single device as well as businesses that might have a bunch of phones, tablets and computers they want to get rid of.

Those interested just need to fill in an online form detailing their device. Clover offer a price, you package and send it, and within 30 days you need to show proof-of-purchase of a Surface tablet or Windows Phone. Clover will then send you a rebate on a prepaid Visa card. A comprehensive FAQ page has all the details.

As for what becomes of all the electronic devices sent Clover’s way, the company says it reconditions them for resale or, if they’re too beat up, recycles them. Working products with a low resale value are occasionally donated to shelters, senior citizens homes, and schools.

This latest offer comes days before Microsoft unveils updated versions of its Surface slates. The original versions of the tablet failed to take the market by storm, with the company recently forced to take a $900 million write-down on unsold Surface RT tablets.

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Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…

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