Abstract: A hand-held electronic telephone directory incorporating microprocessor control and read only memory for storage of directory information. The name of a particular party listed in the directory is typed into a keyboard. The name, address and telephone number then appears on the LCD display. The read-only memory is plugable in the device so that the listing of the desired calling area may be selectively installed.

Abstract: A system and method for storing data and program code on an external card has been provided. Information is stored on the external card by first transferring data from a source database to a first computer (a server). The data is then transferred from the first computer to at least one additional computer (a loader). The additional computer is then utilized to i) load data on the external card, and to ii) load program code on the external card. Further, an external reader is provided for accepting the external card. The external reader includes circuitry therein which is controlled by the program code on the external card for accessing the data on the external card.