An electronic assistant for managing and locating data of interest for a user that, autonomously and without explicit user request, schedules and executes multiple information retrieval tasks in accordance with the user's priorities, deadlines and preferences, said handheld device including a computer-implemented assistant coupled to said information locator, wherein the assistant automatically recommends an event or plans a travel trip based on said user styles, techniques, preferences, or interests, and location and time of the handheld.