The HTC Hero will be is Sprint stores on October 11. Best Buy will begin offering this device on that same day, but this retailer will save its customers some hassle.

Whether this Android-based smartphone is purchased directly through Sprint or at a Best Buy store, the cost will be the same: $180. But to get this price, Sprint stores will require consumers to fill out and send in a $100 rebate form. Those who get a Hero through Best Buy won't have to go through this step.

To get this price, it will be necessary to sign up for a two-year Sprint contract, no matter where the smartphone is purchased.

This is not an unusual occurrence. When Sprint introduced the Palm Pre this summer, the carrier required a mail-in rebate t