An electronic device employs an electronic persistent visual display. One embodiment comprises a nonvolatile memory for storing information regarding the electronic device; an electronic persistent visual display having an input, the electronic persistent visual display providing a visual label display which persists indefinitely, until updated by an input signal at the input; an operational element, and a processor for operating the operational element. One type of electronic persistent visual display has a stable image "memory effect" for an extended period of time in the absence of power, and another type is powered by a power source. The processor, in response to a predetermined state, such as a power-on, provides an update input signal at the electronic persistent visual display input. The update input signal comprises information selected from the stored information regarding the electronic device, for updating the visual label display of the electronic persistent visual display.