New Garmin handheld rebates and what they may mean

Garmin announced three new handheld GPS rebates today. The first is a $50 rebate (PDF) on the Garmin 60Cx and 60CSx, good from July 28 to December 31, 2007. Speculation on what this means follows below.

The other two rebates are good only at Dick’s Sporting Goods retail locations. One is a $30 rebate (PDF) on the eTrex Legend Exploration Pack, valid from July 29 to December 31, 2007. The other is a $30 rebate (PDF) on the new eTrex Venture HC Adventure Pack Bundle. That promotion runs from August 1, 2007 to August 1, 2008.

The most interesting rebate here is the one on the 60 series. Perhaps this tells us that Garmin will be introducing a new high-end handheld line for the holidays. If so, we may see a product announcement at the Outdoor Retailer trade show next week, competing with an expected announcement from Magellan. What electronic goodies might Garmin add? Options include pre-loaded topo maps, a tri-axial compass, color satellite imagery, personal locater beacon and/or a weather radio receiver. Drool.

The usual Garmin rebate limitations apply: Rebate coupons are not valid for purchases made at auctions and rebate coupons are redeemable only by residents of the U.S. and Canada.