Final answer:
The engineers would start with research and development (R&D) to innovate the necessary technology, proceed to the design phase to delineate specific criteria, prototype and test the design, and finally advance to manufacturing for mass production.
Step-by-step explanation:
The next logical step engineers would take after identifying the need for a smaller and lighter laptop computer is to embark on the research and development (R&D) phase. In this phase, engineers would utilize their knowledge in fields like materials science, computer engineering, and electrical engineering to innovate and refine the technology needed to build this laptop. Research in microchips and integrated circuits, akin to the revolutionary work by companies like Apple, would be fundamental as these components play a critical role in reducing the size and weight of computers.
Following the R&D phase, the engineers would likely enter the design phase, where they define the specific problems to be solved, just as Apple did when creating the personal computer. They would need to consider aspects such as the laptop's size, weight, cost, performance criteria, and how to integrate the latest technology. Prototyping and testing would follow, iterating on the design until the optimum balance of functionality and form factor is achieved.
Finally, once the design is finalized, it would proceed to the manufacturing stage. At this point, the focus would be on how to produce the laptop efficiently and economically at scale, optimizing production techniques and supply chain management. With the end goal of launching a product that meets consumers' needs and stands out in the competitive technology market.