What is better? A macbook air 13in or macbook pro 13in?

Better for what?

Do you access CDs and DVDs regularly? If so, the Air is not better for that.

What size storage capacity do you need?

Etc., etc.

Both are nearly worthless in my opinion.

First they both have annoying glossy screens, which you can't use everywhere without sitting funny to avoid the reflections.

Second they both have lousy integrated graphics that can't do much of anything with graphics.

I guess if you didn't have a whole lotta need for performance, just a consumer machine the MBA would be nice, but I would have to stick a anti-glare film on it.

I don't know if the MBA can be opened up or not, but I would like to get inside and add more RAM and a larger SSD.

The 13" one can do that, but it has no video card, so the effort is wasted.

For the money I'd say both are a waste, a Windows 7 PC for half the price gets one a lot more if they just need a basic use machine.

The real value comes from the mid to top end MacBook Pro lines with their strong dedicated graphics, can open them up and add more RAM, better hard drives, SSD's etc.

I can run three or four operating systems at once on mine. Play 3D games in them too.

My view, if your going to spend good money on a computer to get the best performance etc, then a Mac.

Basic use, then a PC is a better value as your not going to be using it seriously, and if you drop/break/lost/stolen your only out $500 instead of $1500.

I know several people that have purchased a Mac with no optical drive. They all regret it.

Get the MacBook Pro.