I’m sure we all remember the days, many years ago it would seem, since some of us used our thumbs to triple tap a text message on mobile phones. Now Nokia’s bringing it back with the phone that comes with both a touch screen and a numerical 12-button keypad.

I came across an announcement that we received in the office today about the new Nokia X3, which it would seem, is a retro variation of Nokia’s old-school signature candybar-style device with the top two-thirds dedicated to a touch screen, while the lower third has a keypad and I have to say that I do like having the best of both worlds.

The phone is being called “Nokia’s first ‘Touch and Type,” implying that there could be more of these hybrid phones coming to market. The combination of texting and touching sends a pretty clear message to a potential user. If QWERTY keyboards and new input technologies like Swype make your head swim, this is the phone for you. According to spokesperson Mary McDowell, Nokia’s EVP of Mobile Phones, backs up the concept with research. In an interview she commented that people still like to text in the manner that they used to using fast handed one thumb and they want to maintain their speedy edge for SMS, chat and instant messaging – yet enjoy the benefits of touch as well. I have to say that I never really mastered the technique myself!

From the initial reports it would seem that the new Nokia is expected to be initially available for around £90 with various pay as you go deals (or £129 SIM-free), the Nokia X3 is clearly aiming for the cash-conscious music phone buyer after a smart-looking device, pitching it squarely against the likes of the others I have looked at the Sony Ericsson W395 comes to mind.