Abstract: A hand-held instructional device and a method of data selection is disclosed. Indexed information is stored in ROM and retrieved to an LCD display. Retrieval is by pressing keys with associated indicia indicating broad subsets of the information, consulting a displayed index of the subset, and pressing further keys as indicated by the index to display the desired sub-area of the subset. Scrolling is provided to allow multiple screens of information to be reviewed. Both automatic and manual scrolling is used. An embodiment of the invention where the information stored is welding and cutting information is disclosed. A calculator operation is included to allow the user to manipulate the welding and cutting data for the job at hand.