Thanks Mith, that was quick! I think the review you're refering to is actually based on the Radeon 9000Pro...? That card is quite a bit better than the standard 9000 from what ive heard. Its funny that the 9000 is actually even cheaper than the 8500! But the 9000pro is not.
Bear in mind i am in Australia and prices tend to change about 1 month behind those in the US too.