Dell offers trade-in for PCs

Want to buy a new Dell? If you've got an old Pentium PC to get rid of, the company will let you trade it in and offset its value against the price of a new machine. Dell Trade-Up is a new scheme run in conjunction with a coyly un-named 'strategic partner,' which will actually deal with the second-hand machines.

Any working P75 or better PC in good order is eligible for the programme: you get an indicative price for your old machine at the time of ordering, then send it off after delivery of your new PC. Dell's partner company will erase the hard disk of any documents and software, and then intends either to use the machines for parts or supply them to schools and charities.

But while the scheme offers the convenience and security of knowing that your PC will be professionally dealt with, it's not aimed at anyone who wants to squeeze the last penny out of an old PC. Here, a private sale will still give the greatest returns - Dell's current indicative value for a 2 year-old P200MMX with a 17in monitor is just £167.

Like other recent developments, Dell's announcement comes shortly after arch-rival Gateway launched its own, more restrictive trade-up programme.

YourWare applies only to Gateway PCs and won't allow trade-ins for just under another two years - values are still unclear.

Dell: 0870 9075888.

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