Radeon 4850 the best card for the money?

Preety much. I think you will be quite pleased with the performance, espically for such a "small" card requiring only 1 power plug.

Yes

It is a really good card, dont get me wrong (I own one). But I cant see how its such great value for money. Although some say it trades blows with the 9800gtx+, it often comes on par with the 8800gtx in benchies, from what ive seen. The 8800GTX is cheaper too, but I guess the 4850 is more future proof so it would be a better option. Basically I just dont agree with this whole thing about the amazing value of the 4850, sure its pretty good, but with the 8800gt significantly cheaper then thats just as much a viable option.

That depends on your definition of "huge performance hit," and what you consider typical AA. It can handle up to 4x AA at up to 1920x1200 without too much performance hit.
http://www.anandtech.com/video/sho [...] =3341&p=14

At $110 without counting in mail in rebates, the frame per dollar ratio for 8800gt is still higher.

Seriously, 4850 is a good all around card already without being best bang for the buck. You don't have to have it all. Let it go.