A portable information terminal apparatus includes a portable information terminal
unit having a display surface capable of displaying the information and a cradle
on which the portable information terminal unit can be detachably mounted. When
the portable information terminal unit is loaded on the cradle, data can be transmitted/received
to or from another electronic equipment through the cradle. The portable information
terminal apparatus includes a lock mechanism for switching the portable information
terminal unit between a locked state and an unlocked state when the portable information
terminal unit is loaded on the cradle. The portable information terminal unit includes
an information readout unit for reading out the contact information and a controlling
unit for controlling the lock mechanism when the information readout unit has read
out the preset contact information.