14 DAY TRIAL // iPodMeister, a company known to offer brand new iPods and iPhones in exchange for used CDs and DVDs, has announced an initiative to extend its program to include the new Apple iPad. Although requiring double, or even triple the amount of discs in exchange for a unit, compared to what they ask for an iPhone 3GS, the deal is quite attractive and, from what we hear, completely legit.
Basically, the deal requires you to bring in (ship) as many CDs and DVDs as you can (no matter how old they are). iPodMeister’s business is to collect your discarded discs, give you an Apple device in return, and sell your CDs and DVDs for a profit in other countries. They claim that all iPods, iPhones and iPads used in its promotion are brand new, complete with full Apple warranty. They offer free pick-up and shipping in the US and, according to The New York Times' Gadgetwise blog, the deal is legit.
If you have bought your CDs in a record store, you should not have a problem getting them through iPodMeister. Also according to their rules is that all CDs and DVDs without scratches are eligible (in general), but they will have to come in the original jewel case with all cover art.
Softpedia note
From where we stand, only people who take good care of their media will be able to benefit from this offer. We love the idea of the person who is careful enough not to scratch or damage their CDs and DVDs, but would give them away for an iPod nano without even blinking. Still, iPodMeister does have a pretty solid argument: “Many people are reluctant to part with their CDs even though they are just collecting dust and taking up space. It is easier to declutter if one knows that one’s CD collection will be appreciated again.”
iPodMeister also makes sure you don’t lose your content. While they do take away your original CDs and DVDs, they will send you back a complete set of back-up DVDs of your music, but only if you want to. They have a few terms here too, so it’s a good idea to go through the entire documentation on their web site before proceeding with sending in your Elvis CDs.
Different device models will require different numbers of CDs or DVDs for the exchange, but you can also send CDs and DVDs combined. For those who are eager to nab themselves a free iPad, here’s what you need to ship:
iPad w/ Wi-Fi 16 GB = 600 CDs or DVDs iPad w/ Wi-Fi 32 GB = 700 CDs or DVDs iPad w/ Wi-Fi 64 GB = 800 CDs or DVDs iPad w/ Wi-Fi + 3G 16GB = 950 CDs or DVDs iPad w/ Wi-Fi + 3G 32GB = 1,050 CDs or DVDs iPad w/ Wi-Fi + 3G 64GB = 1,150 CDs or DVDs.