Data retrieval apparatus comprises a base unit e.g. a geographic globe (100) having a surface bearing a set of index information (150), and a pen-like operator (200) separate from and co-operable wirelessly with the globe (100). The operator (200) has a sensor (220) for sensing the index information (150) when it is brought close to the globe surface, a memory device (250) for storing data information associated with the index information (150) for retrieval based on a reference to the index information sensed by the sensor (220), an MCU (230) for retrieving said data information from the memory device (250) by reference to the index information sensed by the sensor (220), and a speaker (270) for announcing said data information retrieved by the MCU (230).