Tip of the week: Can I Trade-in iPad for Surface 2 pre-order?

My experience when I went to trade in iPad for Surface 2 pre-order:

On Sept 5, 2013 Microsoft announced their $200 iPad trade-in program to go toward the purchase of a Surface or any other Microsoft product.  Great sign me up! But wait, on Sept 23, Surface 2s were announced. Hmmmm….

The obvious question then is: “Can I trade in my iPad on a Surface 2 pre-order?”

I checked the Microsoft site for details but it was kind of vague and so I called them and here is what I learned:

  • Good only for iPad 2, 3, or 4 in working condition – no exceptions! – There goes my chance, I have an iPad 1.
  • You will get a minimum of $200 in a gift card – the newer and better condition of the iPad the better trade-in value.
  • The gift card can go toward any purchase in the Microsoft store – online or retail.
  • The exchange has to happen in a Microsoft retail store – of which there are not many; lucky for me we have two in our area.
  • The offer is subject to Microsoft’s discretion and manager’s approval.
  • You can use the gift card to pre-order of Surface 2 but there is a catch: you can only do so in a brick & mortar retail Microsoft store, not online.
  • The offer is only good between Sept 5 and Oct 27, 2013. So Hurry!
  • Not valid on prior pre-orders, orders, or purchases.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Can I trade in my Surface RT for a Surface Pro 2?
A: Microsoft does not have a plan for trading older Surfaces in at this time.

Q: Can I also trade in my iPhone?
A: Yes, iPhone 4s and iPhone 5 are both eligible for the same trade-in program.

Q: Do I need the original box?
A: No, but if you have the chargers and cables you’ll get a better trade-in.


I also asked if could trade both iPad and iPhone in and use the combined $400 toward a pre-order of a Surface Pro 2 and was told that the associate would have to check with the manager.  That’s where I think the manager’s discretion disclaimer will come in.
It could work out for you but, I wouldn’t go in expecting it.

So, all in all, not a bad deal. You can trade in iPad for Surface 2 pre-order. But unfortunately, I will not be able to benefit because my iPad is too old.

If you live near a Microsoft retail store, and want to trade in, I think it’s worth the trouble. Hey, $200 is $200 – just sayin’. Better hurry though, the offer ends in a couple of weeks.

Only thing I wonder is what will Microsoft do with all those iPads and iPhones…. Maybe they’ll start selling cutting boards?

You may also like our posts on: Surface Accessories and Surface Parental Controls, as well as other Tips of the Week

Joanna-

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