I'd have to pay $42 in tax, so the $50 off nullifies it. There are better deals on untaxed cards from vendors out of state.
Seriously though, I liked it better when the new top end cards actually made it down to $399 upon release. I believe it started after the GF2 Ultra...GF3 could be had for $400, same with the Ti 4600 and 9700/9800Pro...after it.
I don't think the fierce competition is helping. nVidia had none during the GF3 days - no need for an "Ultra", the Ti500 was a mere update. Same with the Ti 4600. Then the 9700Pro hit and squashed the 4600 and the FX line was flop.
Now the battle is/has been a dead lock on the flagship front. The companies are forced to push their silicon to the max which most likely means low yeilds. Then in order to make sure their flagship parts don't have competition from their higher yeild next to top end parts they hold 'em back. Its why the 6800GT was such a "good deal" weiging in at a mere $399, the gold standard price of flagships parts of yesteryear.
Although I'm one who thinks that even $400 is way too expensive for a single card, and now I'm trying to justify it as a fair price that has come and gone, lol