iPad

Well, it finally happened. Your iPad has been outshined by its younger, sleeker sibling — the iPad Mini. Not that you like to play favorites, but if you're looking to "downsize" to the smaller, upgrade to more storage, or simply move on, then we're here to help. Of course donating is a great option, but if you're looking to get some bang for your buck, then consider the numerous resale options. From finding a friend to making an easy exchange, here are four ways to go about trading in your tablet.

• Amazon: Amazon is a simple and secure place to sell popular used items — especially gadgets like iPads. Unlike most marketplaces, you don't have to monitor your account and rush to the post office as soon as your item has been bought. Since Amazon has a warehouse, you can send your items there first, and the firm will ship out your goods as people purchase them. Although pricing is competitive, you can usually see a fair return rate.
• NextWorth: NextWorth is one of the most popular places on the web to sell your iPad for cash. It's simple to get a quote, and once they receive and inspect the gadget, you'll get paid. You can also bring your iPad into a Target for store credit.
• Facebook: If you don't want to worry about going through a third party, then try selling your iPad to your friends first. Simply post about it in a status update or go through Facebook's marketplace. Chances are you'll have a fair amount of success; just make sure your price is right and your iPad is in good shape. After all, your friends know where you live!
• Craigslist: Craigslist is a great place to sell almost anything, so your iPad should be no different. It's especially convenient because you're likely to sell the product locally, meaning you don't need to bother with shipping or hidden fees. If your item is priced right, then it can go fast.

Remember, when selling your iPad, back up your data and do a clean sweep! Erase all the content and settings (go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings) and perform a full restore in iTunes to protect your privacy. Don't forget to give it a good wipe, and be honest about any marks or scratches. These steps will contribute to a solid sale and help you earn positive feedback wherever you choose to sell the device.

Last week, Apple announced its most high-end tablet to date, a 128GB iPad with Retina display (starting at $799), available today at the Apple online store, Apple retail stores, and select authorized resellers nationwide.

The 128GB model is available in black or white, for $799 with WiFi and $929 for WiFi + Cellular. Like other fourth-generation iPads, the tablet is LTE-ready with a 9.7-inch Retina display at 264 ppi, A6X chip with quad-core graphics, 720p FaceTime HD video camera, 5MP iSight camera with 1080p video, and 10-hour battery life.

The release of the high-capacity storage iPad marks Apple's entrance into the high-performance tablet/laptop market, spearheaded by Microsoft's Surface Pro, which is set for a Feb. 9 release date. Apple may have strategically added the 128GB iPad just days ahead of the Surface Pro's launch, hoping to woo customers on the fence.

Microsoft's Surface Pro (priced at a similarly hefty $999 for 128GB) runs a full Windows 8 desktop operating system. While Apple's mobile operating system is not quite at that performance level, the iPad still takes the top spot as the bestselling tablet on the market.

It was the one product unveiling no one was expecting at today's Apple iPad Mini event: a fourth generation 9-inch iPad. Though the third generation iPad was just announced earlier this year, it's now discontinued in favor of Apple's most recent upgrades: an A6X processor chip, FaceTime HD camera, lightning port, and iOS 6 straight out of the box.

The new iPad with Retina is offered in black or white models in 16GB ($499 WiFi only, $629 WiFi + data), 32GB ($599 WiFi only, $729 WiFi + data), and 64GB ($699 WiFi only, $829 WiFi + data) capacities. Like the iPad Mini, this fourth generation iPad is available for preorder starting this Friday, Oct. 26, and WiFi versions ship Nov. 2.

If you're in immediate need of an iPad, the only model currently for sale in the Apple Store is the iPad 2 in 16GB WiFi only ($399) and WiFi 3G ($529), though you will find refurbished third generation iPads for sale starting at $379, $120 off the original price.

Apple is making a big — well, technically, little — announcement today, and for the first time since 2010, viewers can tune in live to the event. The speculated iPad Mini unveil will be streamed live from the California Theatre in San Jose via the Apple website and the Apple TV app, starting at 10 a.m. PDT/1 p.m. EDT.

Last week, Apple said that it had a "little more to show" us, and in a short few minutes we'll see if rumors of a mini tablet will ring true. Stay tuned for more event coverage, and let us know if you'll be watching the Apple live stream.