no idea on the timeframes guv, but yes, yes 2 the second part- from the benchmarx i've seen on THG and anandtech it seems 2 make sense 2 me 2 get the 9800 pro now- and be playing hard for the next XX months until those kards are avaliable.
Esp. since prices for those parts will be skyhigh, and availiability next-2-nothing..whereas the 9800 prices have don all the falling they are going 2 do for quite a while (IMO- diclaimer always neccessary these days if u don't want 2 get flamed), case in point- look at ti4600 prices even today-if u can find them.