It's not sexy tech by any means, but the ecoATM might help you on your way to replacing the unloved, outdated mobile electronic device into cash for the latest sexy tech you've got your eyes on. Too bad we didn't have our retired iPhone 3G with us while at CES to try what is the tech equivalent of those Coinstar machines at your local supermarket. Video of it in action below...

You'd probably get more dollars selling your device via eBay or Craigslist, but the convenience of the ecoATM kiosk could be more appealing to those a painless trade-in/trade-up without the hassle of having to mail out the device. Electronic devices, once approved after a 3-step inspection process, can be then converted into a trade-up coupon, gift card, cash, or if you're feeling charitable, into a contribution of your choice.

As an example, a working Verizon iPhone 4 was deemed worth $221, but value will be dependent upon the condition and model of device scanned. ecoATM locations currently skew heavily westward nationally, mostly in Southern California: San Diego (their homebase), San Francisco, but also up in Seattle, alongside Omaha and Kansas City. Company founder Bill Bowles expects to expand out to 500 EcoATM machines by the end of 2012, so you might be seeing one of these kiosks at a mall near you.