Why is my processor p8700 running slower than a p7550

Hello All,
 I had some questions and concerns, was looking at my laptop vs my girlfriends---

My new (received today) Dell Studio 17
core 2 duo p8700 @ 2.53ghz
4 gb RAM


Her HP DV7
core 2 duo p7550 @ 2.26 ghz
4 gb RAM

Both running win 7 64-bit
The following numbers are taken from when there are no open programs running on the computer (ie browswers, applications etc ) what is hidden running in the background I dont know....

I instantly noticed that
My Dell
Processes: 69
CPU usage : b/t 8-23% (constantly changing, maybe 3 times a second it changes values)
Physical Memory: 29%

CPU Monitor (desktop gadget)
Processor 12-20% usually, changes frequently
RAM 30%

Her HP
Processes: 87
CPU usage: 2-4%
Physical Memory: 37%

CPU Monitor (desktop gadget)
Consistently showing 2-4% Processor usage and 38% Ram Usage

So now that you've seen the numbers, here are my questions
Why is her computer, with a lower processor, running more processes and using less Processor % yet more memory?

Dell stuck a Intel Centrino 2 sticker on my computer instead of the intel core 2 duo sticker.... I was afraid that they stuck a centrino processor inside but under system properties it shows the correct core 2 duo processor, are they just stupid and put the wrong sticker on?

the differences I can think of b/t the two are that my dell has mcaffee internet security, and her hp has avg internet security, my dell has the facial recognition software running, her hp doesnt have this software at all, my dell also came with the dell data safe backup program

Can someone please give me their opinion on whats going on, why her processor is running at a lesser % than mine even though she has more processes running (mainly want to make sure somethings not wrong with my processor or they put the wrong one in!!!)

Thanks so much everyone