1) Yes

2) Yes

3) Pricing on the 280 will vary. Polaris has what they call LAAP. which is lowest advertised price. Most resellers violate guideline. The 280 LAAP is $549. Then you take into the concideration any/all rebates they have to offer. If I am not mistaken they have a $50 rebate offer right now.

I saw the price for the 280 on Amazon as well. That is an excellant price. I would take advantage of it while they can offer it.

Irish thank you most kindly for that input

Your conclusion is well taken and I shall do it the moment I can afford, hoping its Amazon price remains at that bargain level

Meantime however still wondering about the possibility the price might be a signal that Polaris is discontinuing it though of course how could you know unless you were an insider in which case you'd never admit it