102 that may use usb 2 0 interconnections an rfid reader 103 that may use memory device i os for communication with the cpu 102 and a related antenna 118 for communication with one or more rfid tags 119 a laser range finder 104 that may use an rs 232 cable for communication with the cpu 101 both digital visible spectrum 105 and ir 106 cameras that may employ a digitizer or rs 232 cables to communicate with the cpu 101 a compass imu 107 that may use usb 2 0 interconnections to the cpu 101 a wireless personal area network wpan communications device 108 such as a digital radio that may use an rs 232 cable for communication with the cpu 101 with associated antenna 120 for communication with wireless peripherals 121 a hard drive 109 communicating with the cpu 101 via an interface such as one employing the advanced technology attachment specification ata 6 a global positioning system gps transceiver 110 communicating over an rs 232 cable with the cpu 101 a touch screen 111 communicating with the cpu 101 using a usb controller 116 an lcd display 112 communicating with the cpu 101 via a controller 117 an internal voltage regulator 113 between a battery pack 122 and the cpu 101 and a barcode reader 114 communicating with the cpu via a usb cable in addition various connectors 123 ports and hardwires are needed to provide access to other peripherals such as printers pdas recorders instrumentation simulators sensors and the like all not shown separately for clarity refer to fig2 a profile of one handheld embodiment 200 of the present invention the case 124 incorporates a hollow pistol grip.