As I've mentioned here, I recently got an iPad. And now I want to share how I got it for no additional cash out of my pocket (OK, technically, it wasn't "free" but it didn't make me go over budget, at least). You may be able to use this same method for an iPad or any other discretionary expense you are thinking about
While I'm a "gadget person" for sure, I couldn't justify shelling out a bunch of money for yet another gadget. So, I set out on a quest to figure out how to pay for this wonderful toy.
How'd you pay for that iPad?
If you're not familiar with Gazelle, 
it is a site that purchases used gadgets and pays you in cash (or cash equivalents, depending on what you choose). You simply go to their site, find the article you're looking to sell, answer a few questions about its condition, and they will make an offer for it (this happens in real-time -- very convenient).I turned to an old familiar site: Gazelle.com. If you're not familiar with Gazelle, it is a site that purchases used gadgets and pays you in cash (or cash equivalents, depending on what you choose). You simply go to their site, find the article you're looking to sell, answer a few questions about its condition, and they will make an offer for it (this happens in real-time -- very convenient).
If you like their offer, follow their process to send your device in (every time I've used them, they send me a free box and shipping label (they pay shipping) to send it in. When they receive your device, they will confirm its condition and either honor the original quote or make you a counter-offer (typically because their opinion of the condition of the item is different than yours - this has happened to me a couple of times). If you agree to the revised offer, they pay you; if you disagree, they will ship the item back to you at their expense.
I pulled together some old gadgets (an Archos portable media player, my Kindle, some old smartphones) and got enough to pay for my iPad. This killed 3 birds with one stone: I got the iPad I wanted, I got rid of the clutter from devices I wasn't using any more, and I got to check off one of the items on my "getting things done list" to get rid of my old devices.
By the way, Gazelle is a "green" recycler, which is another reason I really like them - details are on Gazelle's site, as part of their "recycling promise."
So look around. If you've got old gadgets, check out Gazelle as a fast, easy way to sell them - it's an easy way to get that other new gadget you've been eyeing.