nterface that cuts down on the cabling within PCs), Serial-Attached SCSI (a speed-scalable and less power-hungry version of the familiar SCSI storage device interface that also allows the development smaller form factor drives), and ExpressCard (a new PC expansion card stan- dard, based on PCI Express, that aims to replace PCMCIA cards with smaller, faster and cheaper plug-in modules). Additionally, over the next couple of years, PC vendors will accelerate their transition from 32-bit to 64-bit technology, responding to enterprise customers who use powerful database and multimedia software and services. Already, 64-bit technology is appearing on high-end desktops from Dell Computer, Hewlett-Packard, and other vendors. "We're actually seeing 64-bit making pretty good inroads into the high-end content creation area, whether it be graphics or doing movies or videos," says Kevin Knox, director of worldwide business development for AMD. 2.1.1 Smaller and Smarter PCs For years, analysts have predicted that sophisticated notebook PCs would eventually supplant desktop systems. Although that moment probably won't PERSONAL COMPUTERS arrive for some time, the latest notebooks are certainly more powerful and easier to use than their predecessors. Vendors are working hard to make their notebook systems more like desktop PCs while preserving portability. IBM, for example, has developed a notebook that's influenced by origami, the Japanese art of paper folding. When the system-based on a standard ThinkPad T40 notebook-opens, the display automatically moves upward several inches for better viewing. As the display rises, the keyboard reflexively slides toward the user and rests at a desktop keyboard-like typing angle. "You can unfold the system if you're at a bigger space to get the benefits of a desktop PC and then refold it back up into the clamshell when you don't have the space," says Howard Locker, chief architect of IBM's personal computing divi- sion. The company hasn't yet set a release date for the notebook. "We're testi