A device for providing telephone communication and data transfer includes a base unit with a display screen and means for retrieving and displaying Internet information via a DSL connection or USB line, for example. A mechanism for recognizing and verifying handwriting is included for allowing a user to sign his/her name to confirm or validate a sales transaction. A voice recognition mechanism converts and translates speech input to text wherein a hearing-impaired user can read real time text messaging. A mechanism for providing access to an electronic phone directory via a CD ROM drive is also provided. The present invention further includes a handset for allowing a user to communicate via a plain old telephone system. Advantageously, an infrared mechanism for communicating with a portable electronic device is provided wherein a variety of devices employing either infrared or fiber-optic communication technology can send and receive wireless signals to the device.