FCP Editing on a Mini vs an iMac?

Hi, folks - I think I know the answer to this one, but I wanted some feedback on just HOW huge the difference is between using FCP on a Mini versus using the latest iMac?
I'm brand new to video editing, and I'm also brand new to Mac. I made the "switch" about a month ago, but I think I made a mistake by skimping on the hardware and getting a 1.42ghz Mini with 512 RAM to test the waters.
I can certainly get FCP up and running on the Mini, but when I start getting down to business everything gets soooooooo slooooooow... I mean its not impossible, but it takes LOTS of patience (which I think I'm running out of).
So I've scraped a little more money together and decided to do this the right way - with the new G5 iMac (2.1ghz, 1gb RAM). I'm sure the performance diff will be big, but after getting burned for ignoring the Mini's specs, I don't want to make the same mistake twice.
Will there still be speed issues with a machine like the new iMac? Will 1gb RAM solve the problem or will things still drag a little? Is that just the nature of intense apps like FCP? Are dual-processors the only way to really use FCP comfortably (should I save for a PowerMac dual 2ghz instead)?
The hard part is not knowing what to compare any of this to. So on a scale of "1 to 10", if I give my FCP experience with the 1.42ghz Mini a "5", what can I anticipate giving my experience with a 2.1ghz iMac?

I am also struggling with running FCP on my PB G4.. 1.5G 1GIG RAM. I can't do a RT Extreme.. I need to render after each and every edit. Is my PowerBook simply not powerful to run FCP?
I am also a PC to Mac convert.. although I really can't shake off my PC association totally yet...Being a seasoned Sony Vegas (even pre-Sony/Sonic Foundary Days) I was so frustrated that I ended up doing my project back on Vegas. I get constant drop frames. And yes.. I did all the things that they tell me to do. except getting a faster processor. ...running on safe mode, changing to dynamic view. not resizing preview window etc, etc.
With all due respect. I think FCP needs to stramline their application so that if less resource hungry.
Here is a few Vegas/ FCP comarision.. although some may say it is not apples to apples comparision,
1) Vegas. never had a drop frames...unless I really push it hard.. but even with a slight delay on the screen,, multi layered video will run to let you view the effects and changes that you made.
2) With FCP... even slight change of fade in or opacity control...you can not see what you have done until you render it. depending on clip this takes 1 minute to 10 minutes.
3) FCP Can't import native MP3 audio file as is... there is hick-up and noise, I needed to convert them to MOV audio file with Quick Time.
4) Vegas - all types of audio file can be imported without any problem including WMA...(windows media)
5) Vegas has basic audio controls built in like EQs. But in FCP everything is a Plug in... and that takes more resources
6) I guess I am really not used to FCP yet... after 4 month of use .. trying to read manuals and struggling with lots of project. - I remember finishing a Vegas projec on the day I installed with text titles... fades and minor effects..
7) Vegas can also import just about any type of video.. even if the sample rate or frame rate is different... They will let you edit on it.. and rending will make it al unform frame/bit rate.
8) FCP does look beautiful on screen.
So here is also... none. Apples to Apples comparision...
1) My PC is AMD 1.7 GIG (Desk top).... is this better/faster than G4 1.5??
2) Both my PC and Mac has 1 GIG Ram...
3) HDD on PB is 5400 and PC is 7200...
4) Will a comparable Sony VIAOs laptop run smoothly running Vegas, because it is their own stuff.
I think this really is not PC Mac issue but more of an application issue,
I know that iMovie ...with its limited function, runs and edit video good.. with my G4..
I really love my PB.. don't let me go back to PC...
ghj

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