Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Tablets
  3. Computing
  4. Legacy Archives

Buying a Windows 8 ‘touch’ device? Scrounge up an old laptop and trade it in for up to $400

Add as a preferred source on Google
microsoft-surface-pro-tablet-review-press
Image used with permission by copyright holder

In the market for a Windows 8 touch computer or laptop-tablet hybrid? Staples has a trade-in deal for your old devices, so long as you buy one of the retailer’s qualifying Windows 8 touch computers for sale, including all-in-ones, touch ultrabooks, laptops, and tablets from Acer, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung, as well as the Microsoft Surface devices

After you buy a new Windows 8 computer – check out the complete list of qualifying purchases – the next step is to fill out a trade-in form online and identify what kind of gadget you’re sending in. The amount you can get ranges from $100 to $400, with any kind of netbook or notebook regardless of age netting you the lowest amount. Any Intel i7 or AMD FX notebook; MacBook or MacBook Pro that’s no more than four years old; and any MacBook Air will get you $400. The iPad with Retina display (fourth generation) is at the $300 tier, while the second and third generations and the iPad mini will receive $200; first-gen iPad will trade-ins will receive $150. Staples will then send you a shipping label that you can use to mail your item out. After your device has been inspected, you’ll receive a Visa card with the corresponding amount. 

Recommended Videos

The computers you trade in should be in good, working condition and should come with a battery and a power supply. The deal is likely not that attractive for anyone with a relatively new MacBook, but if you’re gung-ho about buying a new Windows 8 touch device, and you’re going to sell your old laptop or iPad anyway, here’s one option you can consider. Staples’ “Trade up to touch” program is available until April 27. 

Mariella Moon
Mariella loves working on both helpful and awe-inspiring science and technology stories. When she's not at her desk writing…
Google releases Android 17 for Pixel phones
Gemini Intelligence arrives later this year for selected devices.
Electronics, Mobile Phone, Phone

After months of rumors and two keynote events in May 2026, Google has finally released Android 17, the stable version. It's rolling out to eligible Pixel devices today, including models in the Pixel 6 lineup, all the way to the latest Pixel 10 series.

The stable build contains plenty of features showcased at The Android Show and Google I/O, but if you were hoping to get your hands on Gemini Intelligence, that will ship later this summer to “select advanced devices.” With that out of the way, here’s what Android 17 offers at launch.

Read more
Android 17: Everything we know so far
From AI agents that book your dinner to emojis with actual depth, Android's biggest update yet.
Electronics, Mobile Phone, Phone

Considering all the Android 16 QPR updates and the new ones announced at The Android Show and Google I/O 2026, Android 17 is definitely shaping up to be one of the most ambitious updates the company has shipped in years. 

Between Gemini Intelligence that gets things done on your behalf, the new security features, and productivity-based features like App Bubbles, there’s a lot to unpack. The stable update is expected in June or early July 2026, but plenty of the upcoming features are already live on the Android 17 Beta version for compatible Pixel devices. 

Read more
Boox’s palm-friendly e-reader will please bookworms with its stylus and cutesy looks
Boox has added stylus support to the Go 6 e-reader for note taking
Boox Go 6 (Gen II) e-reader with stylus

Boox has launched the Go 6 (Gen II), its new 6-inch E Ink reader and the successor to the 2024 Boox Go 6. The new model keeps the small, lightweight format that made the original popular, but adds one major upgrade in the form of note-taking support.

The Go 6 (Gen II) is now available for pre-order through the official Boox shop for $199.99, with shipping expected to begin around June 17. It is still very much a compact travel e-reader, but the stylus support gives it a bit more flexibility than the 2024 model.

Read more