This year, Apple will continue to add improvements to its laptop offerings. There's the ultra-portable, ultra-thin MacBook Air and there's the heavier, more powerful MacBook Pro. So which is the better buy? It depends on what type of user you are.

Apple will be phasing out all of the non-retina MacBook Pro models from 2012 and 2013 and focusing on the sharper screen retina models. One MacBook Air model will have an amazing 12-hour battery capacity.

Comparing the two models yields many interesting variables when trying to decide which laptop is right for you.

Below you will find the features from the 13-inch MacBook Air and the 13-inch MacBook Pro.

Screen Size and Quality

Both are 13.3" displays, but that isn't what is concerning for buyers here, it's the quality. The 13-inch Air has a native 1,400-by-900 screen resolution while the 13-inch Pro has a 2,560-by-1,600 resolution. For now, the Air can't come close to the Pro's clear and advanced display.

Processor Speed

At first glance, the Pro looks like it is an entire GHz faster than the Air's top speed, but with overclocking the processors, the Pro and the Air are pretty close in speed.

The Air has an Intel Core i5 dual core processor clocked at 1.4 GHz. It can be overclocked up to 2.7 GHz.

Battery Life

No doubt, the Air was designed to last for a long time. But, the 2014 version of the Air is quite impressive. Apple is claiming it can last up to 12 hours on a single charge, an entire work day plus some time at home to wind down. 

The Pro, despite being more powerful and battery consuming, can achieve up to 9 hours of battery life on a single charge.

Weight

The Pro is becoming lighter but it can't beat the super-light Air.

The Pro weighs 1.57 kg while the Air only weighs 1.35 kg.

Size (Thick or Thin)

Another deceiving stat about the two laptops is the thickness (or thinness). The Pro is only 1 mm thicker at its thickest point than the Air, but its not tapered like the Air. That's why the Air appears so thin. You'll definitely notice the 1 mm when holding the Air versus holding the Pro.

Price

Both 13-inch models are the preferred sizes. The Pro will cost $1,300 and the Air will cost $1,000 starting. 

Conclusion

The Pro is much more powerful than the Air. It has a sharper screen and faster processor. 

But, the Air is so much lighter, thinner and offers the long-lasting battery. 

If you're a basic web and word processor and not looking to run any advanced programs, the Air is your laptop of choice.

If you need to make your own music, edit photos or other advanced programming, and you don't mind the slightly extra weight that you'll carry, you'll want to spring for the Pro.