I've actually got a copy of Essential Cell Biology on my desk currently, it's one of our core textbooks.
When comparing with the "look inside" feature on Amazon for Molecular Biology of the Cell (remembering I only have access to the first few pages) I would suggest that Essential Cell Biology certainly takes a slower pace, but I wouldn't say that it was less detailed.
It goes into great efforts to explain how we know things experimentally, which I personally find quite helpful. The pictures in Molecular Biology of the Cell look almost identical, however I would say they are more copiously used in essential cell biology. Essential Cell Biology also comes with a DVD including very useful animations of cell processes.
Comparing the glossaries, I would still be inclined to say they are covering very similar levels of material, however Essential Cell Biology is using more 'entry level' language.
The key difference between the two in my opinion is the copious use of images in Essential Cell Biology - it's almost half a picture/diagram book. In your situation (pretty much identical to mine) I'd probably recommend Essential Cell Biology just as a start then move on to Molecular Biology of the Cell as everyone else rates it so highly.
Finally, Essential Cell Biology certainly has some kind of sense of humour:
Geek Spoiler:
The bottom line reads C A G T whilst the top line reads G T C A in semaphore, two complementary strands of DNA bases acted out for your amazement...
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