Slender clamshell handset is available now from Cingular High Tech Computer Corp. (HTC), the largest maker of handsets that use Microsoft software, has developed a smart phone that’s just a half-inch thick, or 1.3 centimeters. It’s available now in the U.S. from Cingular Wireless.The Cingular 3125 Smartphone is a slender clamshell handset that runs on Windows Mobile 5.0, enabling it to compete with the BlackBerry’s push e-mail service through its Outlook Mobile software. In fact, Microsoft joined the fanfare of the Cingular 3125’s launch by dedicating a huge portion of its home page to the device, including a link to a description of the phone’s capabilities.Cingular is offering the smartphone from $149.99 in its own retail stores and Web site, as well as through national retailers in the U.S. along with service packages. The company’s unlimited monthly Smartphone Connect plans are $19.99 with Xpress Mail, $29.99 with Microsoft Direct Push and $39.99 with Good Mobile Messaging with a Cingular voice plan of $39.99 or more. The smartphones will allow users to talk or surf the Internet, access corporate and personal e-mail accounts, listen to digital music, take photos and video with its 1.3 megapixel camera, and run the Mobile Office suite. It works on several wireless technologies, including quad-band GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) / EDGE (Enhanced Data GSM Environment), WLAN (wireless-LAN) and Bluetooth. Technology Industry