While touch-screen smartphones like Apple's iPhone 3G and Research In Motion's BlackBerry Storm are popular, many business users just want a slim handset that makes typing out messages easy and quick.

With this is in mind, HTC is bringing its S740 smartphone to the United States, and its small size and powerful features could make it attractive for mobile professionals.

Physically, the S740 bears a slight resemblance to the HTC Touch Pro, but the S740 isn't as wide and doesn't have a touch screen. At about 1.7 inches, the smartphone looks like a skinny remote control. The handset does have a bit of bulk to make room for the slide-out, four-row keyboard, but at 4.9 ounces it's not too heavy.

Powered by Windows Mobile 6.1, the handset is capable of receiving push corporate e-mail and instant messaging on the go. The S740 comes preloaded with Pocket Office, so users can view Word, Excel, Outlook, and PDF files on the handset.

Users can stay connected with their e-mails and browse the Web with the integrated Wi-Fi. The U.S. version will be compatible with AT&T's 850-MHz and 1,900-MHz bands for high-speed 3G access up to 7.2 Mbps. The smartphone also will come with built-in GPS that can use the cellular data for assisted GPS services like location-based searches and navigation.

Even with its svelte size, the handset manages to pack in a 2.4-inch QVGA screen that has a 240-by-320 resolution. While not a media powerhouse, the S740 can play multiple audio and video formats. The handset also comes with a 3.2-megapixel camera that can be used to capture video.

HTC did not say how much the handset would cost or if it would be subsidized by a carrier. It will be launched by the end of the first quarter through various retailers.