Trade in old tech for vouchers at IT Show

In with the new, out with the old - that's what the first major consumer electronics show this year is offering visitors.

Back at Suntec Singapore after two years at Marina Bay Sands, this year's IT Show - which starts today and ends on Sunday - is giving visitors cash vouchers to buy new gadgets when they trade in their old ones.

A first at the fair, the trade-in programme was introduced to counter the slowing economy, said Eric Ng, head of marketing at Exhibits Inc, a subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings that is organising the show.

"We're introducing this trade-in programme for people who have old electronic products lying around to free up some cash for them and hopefully drive sales for this year's show," he said.

Visitors will be able to trade in old or even faulty laptops, tablets and smartphones for cash vouchers in $10 denominations. Most of the show's exhibitors will accept these vouchers.

Hot products expected at this year's fair include laptop-tablet hybrids, such as the Microsoft Surface Pro 3, which are rising in popularity, according to Mr Ng.

"There is also rising interest in wearable technology, drones and personal transportation (devices)," he said.

Another new entry to the IT Show, now in its 14th year, is a 5pm daily auction, which allows visitors to bid for gadgets with a minimum spend of $100.

Products up for auction include the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge 4G+, Parrot MiniDrone Rolling Spider and Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 Pro.

Places in the auction are limited and an auction bidding ticket can be redeemed from the organiser's office on level 6.

Gaming enthusiasts can visit the Age of Gaming pavilion on level 4 for show bags with limited-edition game-related products at discounted prices. For instance, one "ultimate" bag worth $60 is going for $25 at the fair.

Besides a video game showdown with $8,000 worth of cash and prizes to be won, visitors can participate in a gaming obstacle course and shop for game products.

The Tech Showcase segment is also making a return, where visitors can try out new gadgets such as the latest Asus Transformer Book T300 Chi tablet with detachable keyboard, which will be launched at the show, and the Google Glass wearable.

Visitors can also stand to win cash prizes in lucky draws and a selfie contest.

lydialam@sph.com.sg

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