Do you have an old, unopened smartphone lying around?
You might be sitting on a fortune.
A first-generation iPhone recently sold for over$190,000at auction.
Treasure or Trash? Insider Tips for Vintage Thrifting
Most vintage technology isntthatvaluable.
Do the Research: Is Your Old Tech Trash or Treasure?
There are plenty of old smartphones, video game consoles and personal computers in the world.
But only a small minority are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
What sets them apart?
Rarity is huge, said Rena Youngblood, Executive Director ofThe Computer Museum of Americain Roswell, Georgia.
Its probably the number one characteristic of a computer worth preserving.
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The Computer Museum doesnt buy digital artifacts, but it does curate them.
One of the most treasured pieces in its collection is an Apple-1.
Its a very special and valuable artifact, Youngblood said.
It was also valuable to the race to get microcomputers in homes and on desks.
Its place in tech history is part of why an Apple-1 sold for nearly$700,000at auction in 2022.
Another microcomputer, the TRS-80, is currently listed for$120on eBay.
Its a piece of tech history, too, but not nearly as rare.
Did you know?
Are there few others like it?
Is it historically significant?
Is it in great condition?
If the answer to all three questions is yes, you could have a tech treasure on your hands.
Search online to double check, but here are a few examples of tech worth some serious dough.
Just because your vintage tech isnt worth six figures doesnt mean its worthless.
Most things that provoke nostalgia have some value.
Here is a rundown of your options.
If youve got somethingreallyvaluable on your hands like, Apple-1 valuable its time to call in the professionals.
What if you dont just have a junk drawer of old technology you have a whole house full?
Considerlaunching an Etsystore.PiddlinPixiehas racked up dozens of sales of vintage cell phones, camcorders and more.
A 10-year-old smartphone is not unique enough to interest collectors or functional enough to interest most smartphone buyers.
You could still get a buck or two for it from aphone reseller like Gazelle.
If youre already planning to buy something new, this could be the most cost-effective option.
That old Nokia might be worth approximately $.05.
Or maybe its not about the money.
Maybe you would rather do some good with your collection of pristine personal computers.
Either way, you have options.
you’re free to preserve it for future generations.
We need to preserve the stories for the people who arent here yet.
Pictures are also helpful.
Get in touch especially if you have an IBM 360.
That is our white whale, Youngblood said.
But survivors of domestic violence dont always have safe, consistent access to a phone.
Electronic Waste: Recycle
Whatever you do, dont throw your old tech in the garbage.
Electronic waste contains heavy metals thatpollutesoil and endanger humans.
Recycle your unwanted phones, computers and tablets at an e-waste drop-off point.
Try your local recycling center ormajor electronics retailer.
What to Do With Cords
Its not just about the electronics.
Its about the charging cables that go with them.
Approximately100%of Americans have a drawer or box full of old cords.
If the cord is attached to something unique, it might be worth more than you think.
This vintage Leica charging set is going for$145on eBay.
you could also make a little extra cash byselling the metalinside the cables.
Does all that sound like too much work?
you’re free to recycle cords at most e-waste drop-off points.
Better yet: donate them.
Schools can sometimes use old cords and cables forSTEMeducation.
Your tech trash could be someone elses tech treasure.
Contributor Ciara McLaren is a freelance writer with work in HuffPost, Insider and The Penny Hoarder.
you’ve got the option to find her on Substack (@camclaren).
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