Customizable hand-held computer

A method for manufacturing a hand-held data terminal system comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing data terminal having a first configuration comprising a microprocessor for computerized processing of data;
• an upper housing shell, said upper housing shell comprising a keypad area thereon, and a display opening;
• a keypad for input of data located on said upper housing;
• a display viewable through said display opening;
• and a self-contained power supply;
• (b) providing a plurality of differently sized base housing shells, wherein each of said differently sized base housing shells is adapted to allow a different configuration of internally mounted hardware components, each of said base housing shells defining a footprint of said data terminal, and wherein each of said differently sized base housing shells are interchangeable, and wherein each of said differently sized base housing shells are capable of forming a sealing engagement with said upper housing shell to form a data terminal housing;
• (c) selecting one or more hardware components capable of being mounted internally within the data terminal housing;
• and
• (d) selecting one of said differently sized base housing shells that is able to accommodate said one or more hardware components selected wherein interchange of said differently sized base housing shells does not alter the footprint of said data terminal, and wherein each of said differently sized base housing shells are adapted for use in a single type of docking station providing connection to external components.

A method for configuring a hand-held data terminal system comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing data terminal having a first configuration comprising a microprocessor for computerized processing of data;
• an upper housing shell, said upper housing shell comprising a keypad area thereon, and a display opening;
• a keypad for input of data located on said upper housing;
• a display viewable through said display opening;
• and a self-contained power supply;
• (b) providing a plurality of differently sized base housing shells, wherein each of said differently sized base housing shells are interchangeable, and wherein each of said differently sized base housing shells are capable of forming a sealing engagement with said upper housing shell to form a data terminal housing;
• (c) selecting one or more hardware components capable of being mounted internally within the data terminal housing;
• and
• (d) selecting one of said differently sized base housing shells that is able to accommodate said one or more hardware components selected wherein each of said differently sized base housing shells are adapted for use in a single type of docking station providing connection to external components.