Now, while there would be considerable R&D expense involved, I believe Apple could potentially solve all of the issues surrounding portable computers. And when I say "all", I literally mean every single one of them, if they were to take the following approach.
The thing Apple has to realize is that, quite simply, there's no such thing as a laptop that's thin enough, light enough, powerful enough, expandable enough, and one which is cool (in the sense of temperature) enough. Moreover, traditional "future-proofing" of portable computers is typically limited due to two factors:
1. The limited amount of internal space; and
2. The need for a non-standard internal configuration (motherboard design, etc.) to accommodate the very small form factor typical of this class of computer.
So, what they need to do is simply invent a dynomorphic generator, have it linked to some kind of high-longevity, high-potency power source (possibly an isotope in large quantities, possibly some other power source), and then connect it to a Void Locker which, while a very high-power-consumption device, allows for the artificial generation of a quantum mode "bubble" in space-time (a.k.a. a "micro-universe") into which they can then place, say, a pair of Mac Pro computers. This space, which amongst other things includes power, video and other data interfaces, would be of sufficient scope such that any computer ever invented in the future by them would sit comfortably inside, and in large numbers. Connected to this system would also be an advanced dimensioning system as well as an external world interface generator (a.k.a. a "chameleon circuit") which would then be configured to resemble whatever sort of laptop computer that was desired.
The practical upshot of this approach, while certainly one which might take some time to perfect, is that you could have a highly portable single or multiple grouping of multi-core, multi-processor systems in the weight confines of a laptop, with the appearance of a laptop, with absolutely no heat emission, superior wireless reception, perfect durability, and the convenience of here-to-fore unheard of expansion. And Jonathan St. Ives and Steve Jobs would also be quite happy owing to the fact that they can now update their laptop lineup whenever they felt like it, and never have to worry about any of the usual bothersome details.
Yes, now that I have written this idea out here, I'm more convinced than ever this could be the breakthrough Apple has been looking for. So... anyone around here got Steve's cell number?