There seem to be some misconceptions here. Most PVA/MVA panels aree indeed 8-bit, but those panels exhibit more color shifting and produce less accurate colors. Apple does use IPS panels, which have much less color shift and produces accurate colors. So while both 8-bit, IPS panels still trounce most PVA/MVA panels.
Now, currently the Dell 3007WFP uses the same panel as the 30" Apple. However, a display is more than its panel. The electronics that go into a display are just as important and that is what sets a low end display and a high end display apart.
Dell has a new 30", the 3008WFP has a newer panel. While it is $2000 people are pulling it for $1640 with a call to Dell. It also has a scaler and ton of inputs. The scaler lets it take lower res inputs. The HP LP3065 also has a newer panel.
Now, in Dell has taken a different path with their smaller displays. The 20" has gone TN. Which is terrible. The 24" is still up in the air, I know there are hints of a 2408WFP soon. I imagine it will stay PVA, we only hope at least. IPS 24" panels are out there as well, and resident in Apples 24" iMac.
Now, in regards to the ACDs. I think if Apple was just dropping the price, it would have been done at Macworld. That suggests there will not be a price drop at Macworld, unless it is accompanied by an update.
If Apple puts iSights and remote with the ACDs, I would consider that a "consumer" update. And an update which garners a mention at the so called "consumer" show known as Macworld. I of course don't know if it will happen, but it is possible.
I would dare say that if this doesn't happen, there won't be new ACDs unless they have been redesigned and Apple feels they should mention them.
If either of these are the case, I expect panel upgrades. The 23" will go the way of the dodo, and be replaced by a 24".
