RadioShack Offering Cash For Old iPhones

Though AT&T is allowing many customers to upgrade to the iPhone 4 for the discounted prices of $199 and $299 (16GB and 32GB, respectively), there are still plenty of customers who don't qualify. For them, the upgrade prices run a much uglier $599 and $699 (16GB and 32GB, respectively). RadioShack is running a trade-in program that should take some of the pain out of the upgrade.

Bring in an iPhone 3G 8GB or 16GB today, and RadioShack will give you a $100 gift card. Bring in an iPhone 3GS 16GB or 32GB and RadioShack will give you a $200 gift card. The gift card can be used for anything in RadioShack stores -- including the new iPhone 4 when it arrives on June 24. The discounts are being offered at a flat rate.

Is RadioShack accepting all old iPhones? Not quite. It says the devices must be in "good condition." RadioShack defines "good condition" as iPhones that are free of water damage, and don't have any damage to the screen. It appears that RadioShack is not accepting the original iPhone as a trade-in.

If you want some cash for your old iPhone, you need to go to a RadioShack location today, have your iPhone appraised, and sign up for the iPhone 4. RadioShack said it will honor appraisals between June 24 and July 25.

Since AT&T and Apple's servers are so jammed with people attempting to pre-order the iPhone 4, it might be a good idea to seek alternatives if you feel you have to pre-order today. RadioShack is one alternative, and is offering cash for your old iPhone.

You may also choose to go to an AT&T or Best Buy Retail outlet to pre-order the iPhone 4.

I have visited an Apple, a Best Buy, a RadioShack and an AT&T retail store today. Apple referred me to the online ordering tools, which were not working. Best Buy was unable to access AT&T's servers to retrieve my account details. AT&T wasn't able to access my account, either. And RadioShack hadn't started taking orders for the iPhone yet.

Perhaps Apple and AT&T's servers will recover at some point, but until then, know that you have options.