Earlier this week the price for the Palm Pre was officially announced and along with that it became aware that the Palm Pre would carry the annoying mail in rebate option. However this annoyance can be avoided simply by shopping around.

Purchasing a Palm Pre from Sprint will cost $299 and then you need to mail in for the rebate which will drop the price to $199 which generally takes between 4 to 8 weeks says pcworld.

However, if you just shop around and purchase your Palm Pre from the likes of Best Buy or Radio Shack the mail in rebate is apparently deducted immediately at the register and you walk out with your Palm Pre for $199 with no need to wait those 4 to 8 weeks for reimbursement.

What route will you be taking?