IMac or Macbook Pro w/ Thunderbolt Display?

I've decided to switch from PC to Mac.
I much prefer a desktop setup, so I originally decided to go with the iMac, but then I was checking out the Apple site & saw the Thunderbolt Display, which essentially lets you plug in your Macbook & use it as a desktop.
I'd be using it as a desktop for the most part, so most of the time the Macbook would just be sitting there plugged into the Thunderbolt Display. It's just nice to be able to pick it up & go also if I want to.
I'm not really sure of the differences in performance, space, etc. between the two, so does it make sense to do that if I'd be using it mostly as a desktop, or would I be better off just getting the iMac?

You are welcome, Will.
I have an iMac and MBP and eally am happy with both...run large FORTRAN codes on both with great success.
My daughter is the senior Art Director (graphic design degree) at an ad agency in NYC.  She has the MBP at home with the high-res screen (15"), and a fully loaded 27" iMac in her office with a 30" Apple cinema display attached, almost 5' of display.  Is very successful using both machines for heavy-duty graphics work.  The larger iMac just means it is much easier having multiple applications open, multiple windows, side-by-side instead of using the maximize/minimize process.  So, both are workable, but one is more convenient than the other.
Go to an Apple store or reseller and spend an afternoon with both machines you are interested in and get a goof feel for them and the image quality.
Good luck making a decision.
Ralph

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