Abstract: System and methods for generating written reports based on succinct input from a user. A method of the present invention comprises entering a first mode for initialization; defining menus; entering a second mode for receiving information; entering information using the defined menus; interpreting the entered information; and generating a written report in response to the interpreting step. A system (100) of the present invention comprises a portable computer system having a memory (102), a processor (101), a detachable keyboard (107), a screen (104), and a pen (105). Ancillary information is entered with the keyboard which is then detached. Subsequent information is documented by selecting appropriate items from the defined menus; alternatively, the information can be written on the screen with the pen. The processor is programmed to interpret the inputs and generate a report. The report may be printed on a printer (108), stored on a storage device, and/or transferred to another system.