Patent US 5,483,472

A portable electronic shopping list device with the familiarity of a pocket calculator comprises a display, keyboard with control keys, microprocessor and memory for storage of a library of standard lists and custom lists, input and output port for communication with external devices, and support software. A product is added to a user list by searching and selecting within a standard list or adding a new item not on the list. In a search, entry of each alphanumeric character causes a pointer to advance in the list to the first list item having that character in the same character position in the item name. Alternatively, a user can scroll through a list to a desired item. Item quantity may be entered with the item on the user list as well as item price. Total price sums through the list for reference at any time. Price comparison is also enabled by entering a product price per unit and a second price per different unit with the device determining the lowest price of the two. Required entries are prompted on the display.