Is there any way to hook up a U3011 30" (2560x1600) monitor to my MBP?
I have a Dell U3011 running at 2560x1600 (native resolution) connected via a mini-dp to dp cable. This is working correctly on both my MBP mid 2009 with a NVIDIA GeForce 9400m and a  MB Air mid 2011 with an Intel HD 3000. Both computers can detect that they are connected to a Dell U3011 and allow me to choose the native resolution.

I am using a mini-display port to display port cable purchased at monoprice with product id 6007. The specs state that it is display port version 1.1 (8.64 Gbps) capable. Maybe the mini-dp to dp cable you are testing with does not have enough throughput?