iMac 3.06Ghz vs 17" MacBook Pro 2.93Ghz

[Tee.Nutter]

I have ordered a iMac as per my signature and thinking of getting the MBP instead and one of the things that was putting me off the MBP was the lower processor speed (2.93Ghz MBP v 3.06Ghz in iMac) and the graphics card.

I will be getting a 24" ACD to go with either system and use it as a dual monitor. I use a lot of CPU/RAM intensive software i.e. Adobe CS4

I have a few questions regarding this:

- Firstly regarding the CPU's, I have checked and they have the same bus speed and L2 cache. So, is it just purely the 0.13Ghz difference in the speed or are they two different types of CPU? If it is just the clock speed then will the 0.13Ghz make a massive difference is using either machine.

-Secondly is the graphics card, the 9600GT compared to the ATI 4850 they're both 512mb, will I see a massive difference when doing graphics work?

-Lastly I am thinking of getting SSD for the MBP, I know from having used windows pc's/laptops until now that the HDD is usually where the bottlenecks occur. Will having the SSD in the MBP compensate for better CPU and Graphics card in iMac?

 

[txnoob]

- Firstly regarding the CPU's, I have checked and they have the same bus speed and L2 cache. So, is it just purely the 0.13Ghz difference in the speed or are they two different types of CPU? If it is just the clock speed then will the 0.13Ghz make a massive difference is using either machine.

NO, no difference.

-Secondly is the graphics card, the 9600GT compared to the ATI 4850 they're both 512mb, will I see a massive difference when doing graphics work?

No

-Lastly I am thinking of getting SSD for the MBP, I know from having used windows pc's/laptops until now that the HDD is usually where the bottlenecks occur. Will having the SSD in the MBP compensate for better CPU and Graphics card in iMac?

IMO, not for the cost to performance ratio. A 7200 RPM HDD will give you a noticeable performance increase without being stupid expensive.

 

[QCassidy352]

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the processor difference will be negligible at most. The graphics, however, will be significantly better on the iMac. SSDs I'm not too sure about.

 

[txnoob]

The graphics, however, will be significantly better on the iMac. SSDs I'm not too sure about.

Yes, but for what OP will be doing, I'm not sure she'd notice.

 

[jnc]

Yes, but for what OP will be doing, I'm not sure she'd notice.

What made you think "she"? Curious

Also - avoid the SSD if you go for the MBP. They're going to get bucketloads cheaper, you can do it later with ease on the new models... See how you get along with a 7200 drive first.