Powered by

If you’re like me, you’ve got several older pieces of technology sitting around your house that you don’t need or would really like to upgrade.  But since you remember paying big bucks for them, you won’t just throw them away.  Fear not fellow collectors of old equipment. There is a wealth of companies eager to pay you for your used equipment, if you know where to look.

I recently checked three web sites that arrange for you to ship the devices, regardless of the manufacturer, to them and pay you a pre-negotiated price. I checked HP’s own trade-in program (www.com/go/tradein) as well as TradeUps (www.tradeups.com) and Gazelle (www.gazelle.com).

Dell does not offer a trade-in program, and Apple offers a limited program where you receive an Apple gift card vs. cash. For example, Apple accepts older iPods for free recycling (and they will give you a 10% discount if you buy a new one), but sites like Gazelle will pay you cash for your older iPods.

So if the idea of emptying out older equipment and cashing a nice check for your troubles sounds interesting to you, here are my tips for a successful trade in.

Pick the Best Site Based on What Devices You’re Selling – HP and TradeUps both focused heavily on computer technology, where Gazelle appears to emphasize home audio and video and other personal devices. If you want to sell a printer, only HP and TradeUps offered pricing. Gazelle does offer to buy select video games, GPS devices, mp3 players and Blu-Ray players…all of which HP and TradeUps do not.

Competitively Shop for Your Best Deal – Make a list of all of the items you want to sell and see what is offered at several sites. I checked three items an older Tablet PC, a multifunction laserjet and a Gateway Notebook. Here’s what I was offered at each of the sites. HP and TradeUps offered the most for computer trade-ins, but TradeUps deducts estimated shipping charges. HP assumes the cost of shipping, making HP often the best value for your dollar.

It’s an age-old debate: dorm or apartment?  While many think apartment life means freedom and fun, there are a lot of good reasons to consider dorm life.   Here are a few to consider with your student:

1. Cost. Dorms rooms are typically much less expensive than apartments off campus.

2. Safety. Dorms provide security that off-campus living may not.  In addition to officers and many closely-quartered neighbors, it’s also a relief to know that help is available at any hour.

3. Social Life. Living in a dorm means instant social connections from the day your child moves in.  Roommates and neighbors from the dorm often become lifelong friends.

4. Activities. Chances are that his or her resident assistant will organize events for the hall or wing.  Not only are these good networking opportunities, but they’re generally a lot of fun.

5. Academics. Living in a dorm provides some structure, especially for new students.  It tends to be easier to focus on classes when you’re student is surrounded by others with same goals.

6 . Less Responsibility. Dorms are a sort of middle ground of independence.  In a dorm, there are people to help with maintenance problems, roommate problems, and other issues, leaving much less for your child to worry about.  Yes, apartment life can be exciting, but don’t discount the dorms.  It’s an essential part of the college experience that you may want to encourage.