The iPad3 is rumored to be introduced at Apple’s scheduled press conference tomorrow. Other rumors that are swirling talk about whether it will be HD and whether or not the cost will go up. One thing can be guaranteed though: if Apple is releasing an iPad3, the price of previous models will plummet.

According to an “iPad-focused study” by InMobi, 30% of respondents plan on purchasing the new model iPad. However, the study only surveyed 689 people, all in the US and all on mobile networks where InMobi advertises. At a price point between $400 and $600 for the newest model, many people may be looking to the 1^st or 2^ndgeneration iPads in order to save some pennies.

Whether you are looking for an older model, or looking to unload your own, there are several places to start your search.

eBay

[eBay] said it's generated more than 125,000 tablet trade-in offers this month, with 97.6 percent of those consisting of Apple iPad models. That number is up tenfold from the number of offers during the same month last year, eBay said.
Source: CNET

Amazon

Amazon has plenty of used models available from third party sellers, with the iPad2 starting around $360.00 (look for that number to drop throughout the day and drop significantly after tomorrow’s rumored announcement) and the first generation selling for a little less.

NextWorth.com

NextWorth.com will purchase your iPad. Second generation iPads (16GB Wifi) in perfect condition are going for just under $300. NextWorth also works with Target stores so you can take your old iPad in to the store.

Gazelle.com

Gazelle.com is another trade in site that is offering just under $250 for an immaculate iPad2 (16GB Wifi). They also offer gift card payment from Amazon.com or Paypal payment.

Craigslist.com

The obvious benefits of buying local are offered by using Craig’sList.com but the site’s reputation is definitely a concern when you’re spending this kind of money. To avoid scams, and fraud, Craig’sList offers these tips:

• DEAL LOCALLY WITH FOLKS YOU CAN MEET IN PERSON - follow this one rule and avoid 99% of scam attempts on craigslist.
• NEVER WIRE FUNDS VIA WESTERN UNION, MONEYGRAM or any other wire service - anyone who asks you to do so is a scammer.
• FAKE CASHIER CHECKS & MONEY ORDERS ARE COMMON, and BANKS WILL CASH THEM AND THEN HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE when the fake is discovered weeks later.
• CRAIGSLIST IS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY TRANSACTION, and does not handle payments, guarantee transactions, provide escrow services, or offer "buyer protection" or "seller certification"
• NEVER GIVE OUT FINANCIAL INFORMATION (bank account number, social security number, eBay/PayPal info, etc.)
• AVOID DEALS INVOLVING SHIPPING OR ESCROW SERVICES and know that ONLY A SCAMMER WILL "GUARANTEE" YOUR TRANSACTION.
• DO NOT RENT HOUSING WITHOUT SEEING THE INTERIOR, OR PURCHASE EXPENSIVE ITEMS SIGHT-UNSEEN - in all likelihood that housing unit is not actually for rent and that cheap item does not exist.
• DO NOT SUBMIT TO CREDIT CHECKS OR BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR A JOB OR FOR HOUSING UNTIL YOU HAVE MET THE INTERVIEWER OR LANDLORD/AGENT IN PERSON.

Apple Recycling

For an easy trade Apple also offers $325 in gift cards for an immaculate iPad2 (16GB Wifi +3G).

While you may sell your used iPad for more on Amazon, eBay or Craig’s List than trading it with one of the other sites listed here, if you can’t sell it before the new model is released, you may end up with a lot less regardless of where you unload it. My advice: sell today.

If you’re looking to buy a used model, my advice is to weigh your options. If you’re desperate, it may be a good time to snap one up. The iPad2 became available, in limited supply, ten days after it was announced, so the iPad3 may not be available immediately… then again the announcement is still speculations so… if you’re desperate, grab one now. If not, wait and you will be rewarded. 55 million iPads have been sold to date, so there should be no short supply of used models.

Thanks to our sources:
Washingtonpost.com, inMobi, Craigslist.com, CNET, DailyFinance,eBay, Gazelle.com, NextWorth.com.