Portable printer with RFID encoder

A method for encoding an RFID circuit in a portable printer capable of communication with a host, said method comprising the steps of:

• receiving commands and data from the host;
• verifying that a RFID circuit stored in the printer is valid;
• and
• encoding information on the RFID circuit in accordance with said received commands and data, wherein said receiving, verifying and encoding steps are carried out in a portable printer weighing less than two pounds.

A portable printer for printing information on media comprising:

• media having one or more RFID circuits;
• a housing having a printhead capable of printing on said media, an encoder capable of reading or encoding information on the RFID circuits of said media, and a controller for controlling said printhead and said encoder;
• and
• a rotatable platen roller and a motor coupled to said platen roller in said housing which operates responsive to said controller to drive said media across said printhead and to position each of said RFID circuits for reading or encoding by said encoder, wherein said housing weighs less than two pounds.