Frocco - I got your PM but best to reply here.
Yes, you can get the top end 2012 iMac for less than the top end MBPr (unless you opt for the SSD in the iMac in which case the iMac will be more expensive).
US Prices:
2012 iMac 27"
3.4GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7
32GB RAM
3TB Fusion Drive
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680MX 2GB GDDR5
Mouse + Keyboard
= $3,349.00
with 768GB SSD $4,249.00
MacBook Pro Retina 15"
2.7GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7
16GBRAM
768GB SSD
= $3,749.00
You have to work out what you need - portability(MBPr)/Retina display(MBPr)/max RAM (iMac)/larger display (iMac)…
I'd say both are equally on a par with each other performance-wise in everyday use although I'm sure benchmarks will show the iMacs to be faster in some cases when the 32GB RAM, turbo boost of the 3.4Ghz i7 and 2GB VRAM are required.
Myself, I have always used a combo of desktop and portable Macs - tower in the office with dual monitors, a bunch of external stuff hanging off - drives, scanners, audio interfaces etc.
I am now in a position where I need to be portable so having a desktop is silly.
If I wasn't moving around I'd probably get a midrange 2012 iMac and a 13" MBPr.
Since I don't have a desktop anymore I need to replace that power with the gruntiest portable - that is the 2.7 MBPr/16/768.
Its only the price that is a kicker - yes I could have survived with a MBPr 15" 2.3/8/256 but I'm a pro that relies on the best performance from my computer - I have no regrets.
To put things in context, back in May 2006 I purchased a brand new MacBook Pro 15" Core Duo 2.0Ghz/1GB RAM/120GB HDD for a tad under what the new MBPr cost me . I'm still using it (just) - and it has served me very well over those six years. You can think of dropping a lot of money up front or you can work out the value of time vs. how much you use it and what for.
These days even an entry level MBA is a very capable machine…