Abstract: Disclosed are means and method to implement a portable and fully functional audio data recording and processing system. Voice data is received, converted to digital representations, compressed and stored in solid state memories. Predefined and user defined data categories are established to enable the operator to efficiently organize data recording and retrieval actions. Data transmission means are provided, and transcription from spoken word to textual information is supported. The use of the present invention as a documentation instrument is described. The integration of the invention with a Charge Coupled Device for recording visual information is presented.