Apple Info

macbook pro 15 inch 2.4 ghz
Macbook Pro 15 inch 2.4 ghz core i5 or 2.66 ghz core i7?

I’m a computer science student who needs a new computer
I need my computer for programming, typing essays, surfing the web, and sometimes video editing or graphics design
Is there a real difference between the core i5 vs the core i7
Which model should I get?

For your needs, it sounds like either the Core i5-powered or Core i7-powered 15-Inch MacBook Pro would work well.

However, for performance, specifically, this may be useful:

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook_pro/macbook-pro-unibody-faq/macbook-pro-13-15-17-mid-2010-speed-performance-comparison.html

Hope this helps!