Tired of your old iPad but don't know what to do with it? Microsoft kindly offers you a gift card of minimum $200 for it.

Microsoft's new, limited-time promotional deal for iPad trade-ins isn't out of the kindness of its heart, nor because it's such a big fan of Apple's tablets. It's simple: Microsoft wants to convert as many iPad users as it can to its own Surface RT or Surface Pro tablets.

The company has made several efforts so far to outline how its Surface tablets are better than the iPad, but now it's taken the competition to another level. Microsoft is actually offering gift cards to any customer willing to trade in their old iPad. Customers can then use the gift card toward the purchase of a new Microsoft Surface RT or Surface Pro "or other cool products at the Microsoft store" through the company's new in-store trade-in program.

"Bring in your gently used iPad 2, 3, or 4 and get a minimum of a $200 gift card to the Microsoft store," states the company. Conveniently, right after this description Microsoft details its Surface RT and Surface Pro tablets.

It remains uncertain just what Microsoft means by "gently used," but your old iPad should be eligible for the offer as long as it's in good working condition and not severely damaged.

According to Microsoft, this offer will be available only until Oct. 27, which means that those interested in taking advantage of this deal might want to hurry. The expiry date for this offer also hints at the launch of the next-generation Surface tablets.

Microsoft is reportedly gearing up to launch a Surface RT 2 and Surface Pro 2 soon and this promotion might be a sign of the new tablets' imminent launch.

This limited-time trade-in program is available only in the U.S. and Canada. Customers who want to turn in their old iPad must hand over the tablet's charger lead as well, and must make sure that their Apple slate is not password-protected when they trade it in. The offer is not available online, cannot be transferred and is limited to one per customer.

In case you're wondering whether this deal is worth considering, here are the numbers: if you get a $200 gift card for your old iPad, you will have to shell out another $149 for the Surface RT and $300 for the Surface Pro, as the Microsoft tablets cost $349 and $599, respectively. Your call.