So, in the spirit of christmas, I have some funds to use on a decent monitor for video editing. I dont need a monitor with fully accurate Rec709 gamut or the like, but I am looking for something fairly accurate with good color range.

What are my options with HDMI/DVI input in the 300 dollar range? I don't need SDI as this won't be a field monitor, but as a monitor for editing on mac and general subtle grading (I shoot as close to output as I can since pushing DSLR footage is a losing battle...). I use scopes and RGB parades to keep things accurate for the most part, but would like a monitor that is a little more true to color so I can truly see what Im working with instead of looking at the blacks and highlights on a scope.

I was looking at something like the Dell UltraSharp U2412M but would gladly entertain other monitors because that would be my absolute limit for price...

There are lots of new monitors out there with an S-IPS panel that are below 300$. BUT mostly this are not true 8 bit panels, instead they are 6 bit that simulate 8 bit. I don't know how big an effect this has but surely it can't be good. Also the cheap IPS monitors don't have good colour gamuts...

This Dell U2412M that you referenced is also only 6 bit. It's 6 bit + A-FRC (A-FRC stands for advanced frame rate control).

One of the lowest priced 8 bit 24" monitors today is I think the "HP ZR24W". It is however 100$ more than you are willing to spend but you wouldn't be compromising as you would with other monitors. I personally wouldn't buy a cheap monitor for colour grading. I would rather wait a month or two and add 100$ and then buy a proper monitor...

http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/reviews/hp_zr24w.htm