A portable device (10) for selective message recordation and playback and scheduling includes a portable unit (11) and an optional homebase station (12). Portable unit (11) includes a housing (15), unit controller (20), tactile input mechanism (40), audio processor (60) and video processor (80). Portable unit (11) allows textual, audible and visual message inputs and their selective playback based on time or other preselected textual, audible or visual stimulus. A selectively detachable stylus (51) may be removed to engage a touch panel (50) for making operational selections and entering information. Optional homebase station (12) may include a variety of features for supporting and supplementing those of handheld unit (11), such as a floppy drive (112) message memory, input keys (114), a battery charging circuit (115) and an external communication circuit (117).