1. A system for collecting, and transmitting information from fluid hydrocarbon production monitoring and control equipment comprising: a. a handheld computing device with a data processor in communication with a data input device, a text and graphics display device, a short-range wired communication system, a short-range wireless communication system, a long-range wireless communication system, and a geographical position fixing system; b. said handheld computing device executing an operating system, graphical user interface, and software that enable a person to monitor instruments and control equipment associated with said fluid hydrocarbon production monitoring and control equipment; c. said software detecting said handheld computing device's geographical position using said geographical position fixing system; d. said software providing said handheld computing device's user with information relating to said instruments based on said handheld computing device's proximity to said instruments; e. said software prompting said user to enter readings relating to at least one of said instruments; f. said short-range wireless communication system in wireless communication with at least one of said instruments; and g. said handheld computing device in communication with a centralized data collection computer system via said handheld computing device's said short-range wired communication system, said short-range wireless communication system, or said long-range wireless communication system.