There is a similar deal right now with Audible. Join Audible ($14.95/mo--cheaper than the NYT), get $100 off a Kindle or other device (including ipod but not ipad, oddly enough?)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.htm...cId=1000013251
I think these deals are more along the lines of strategic partnerships than liquidating dud readers.
eP