Abstract: A method and system for information recording and retrieval using a hand held computer and a host microcomputer is described. The computers are provided with a communications link and application programs enabling table forms for recording of data items in the hand held computer and for the transfer of the data items to the host microcomputer having programs enabling the same table forms. The application program in the host computer is of the field definition and screen format type for recording data items in table form. The hand held computer can create the screens and the field definitions as well as run the screens. The host computer can only run the screens. This format is particularly useful for recording hospital data items.