If you’re planning on buying the new iPad Air, or the new iPad mini with Retina display, you might be wondering what to do with your old iPad (providing you haven’t already sold it). There are many ways to deal with an iPad that you no longer need. Here are a few of our ideas.
1. Hand It Down To Someone Else
Do you have a spouse, sibling, friend or relative that might enjoy your old iPad? Consider handing it down to someone else who will use it and love it as you once did (or at least give them a good price and sell it to them).
2. Use It As An Alarm Clock / Bedstand Device
Your old iPad makes an excellent alarm clock – maybe even better than your new one! Why? Many alarm clock apps require you to keep the app open if you want a musical alarm. Also, using your old iPad as a bedstand device makes it easier to keep your new iPad in your pocket or on your person for all those late-night chats, instant messaging, or Twitter posts.
3. Keep It On Hand For Multiplayer Gaming
If you have guests in your home, or have a friend visiting, you won’t have to worry whether or not they have an iPad – just let them use your old device and have a delightful multi-player gaming experience ready at all times!
4. Use It As A Dedicated Netflix Device
The iPad has a gorgeous 10-inch screen that’s a pleasure to watch movies on. Why not capitalize on that by turning your iPad into a dedicated Netflix device? You could mount it anywhere that you normally watch movies – then you could watch movies AND use your new iPad 3 at the same time!
5. Keep It As A Backup
What if something happens to your new iPad? Even if you have AppleCare, you might lose the use of your iPhone for a day or two waiting for a replacement to arrive. Keeping your old iPad on hand can be a great way to prepare for the unexpected.
6. Sell Your iPad
None of these options sound good to you? We’ve already prepared a document explaining how to prepare your iPhone or iPad for resale, now the rest is up to you. Prepare a nice eBay listing or list it on a local classified site such as Craigslist . Remember to be honest in your description, and include any accessories you don’t need anymore, as that can raise its value.
You can also trade your iPad in through Apple, Gazelle or Nextworth – here’s our guide on how to get the most money from your sale! If you’d like to sell your old iPad on a classified site like Craigslist, or on eBay, it’s best to list it as soon as possible.
7. And Now For Something Completely Different!
The sky’s the limit here – with all of the apps available from the App Store, you can use your spare iPad as a guitar tuner, a book reader, a permanent Twitter device, or almost anything else you can imagine. Or you can just leave it on your coffee table as a trendy and high tech living room decoration!
The iPad is a remarkably useful device, and we’re sure you’ll find a creative or clever way to repurpose your former favorite.
* Updated October 31, 2013 for the new iPad Air and Retina iPad Mini
