Microsoft offers $300 / £100 trade-ins when you buy a new Windows 10 computer

If you've been thinking of investing in a new computer, Microsoft has an incentive that might just help to convince you that the time is right. You've probably got an old computer laying around that you need to get rid of, and Microsoft will happily take it off your hands and give you cash into the bargain.

The Trade Up program offers a minimum of $200 for a laptop trade-in, up to $300 for a MacBook. The caveat? The Windows 10 computer you buy must cost at least $599. The deal is running in the US and UK -- but people in the UK have a different, and somewhat less impressive, deal available to them.

US shoppers can head over to Microsoft's Trade Up website where there is a list of qualifying products. Within 14 days of purchasing your new computer, you must submit an online claim and, once approved, send in your laptop or MacBook. Once this has been received, you'll receive your payment.

Things aren’t quite as good for UK shoppers, and there is also a curious difference in the wording. While the US site refers to laptops and MacBooks, the UK version talks about laptops, desktops, and Chromebooks. The cashback levels are also rather less impressive. Buy a new computer costing £249 to £348.99 and you can earn £30. £349 to £498.99 gets you £50, and anything over £499 qualifies for Trade Up Cashback of £100.