The present invention provides a system and method for providing handwritten messages with electronic communication devices. For example the electronic communication device may be a mobile communication device and may include a touch screen, screen buffer memory, processor, and transceiver. In preferred embodiments, the mobile communication device may be a personal digital assistant (PDA), a two-way pager, or a mobile telephone. The mobile communication device user may create a handwritten message on the touch screen using, for example, a stylus. In one exemplary embodiment, the handwritten message displayed on the touch screen may be stored to the buffer memory as an image, directed by the processor to the transceiver, and transmitted via a wireless connection to, for example, a wireless base station and the Internet. The Internet may route the handwritten message image to a desired Internet address. The handwritten message may be displayed in real time on the recipient's display, e.g., an instant message (IM) session, or stored in their email mailbox for later retrieval and display. The recipient may type in a text message in response to the hand written message, and this message will be transmitted to mobile communication device and displayed on the mobile communication device. In another embodiment, the receiving party may also have handwritten messaging capabilities (included with, for example, a PC, PDA or a mobile phone) and may respond with a handwritten message.