Modular transaction terminal having a docking surface with a plurality of parallel grooves

A modular business terminal comprises a base unit having a docking surface with a number of parallel grooves, on which surface a plurality of detachable terminal modules having elongated projections associated therewith may be positioned and secured by a snap fit connection between the projections and the grooves. The terminal modules may include such devices as a keyboard, a touch screen, a CRT or other type of display, a magnetic stripe reader, a printer, etc. Various arrangements may be employed to provide data coupling between the base unit and the terminal modules, such as infra-red coupling devices, or the use of a cable attached to the terminal module, which cable is retained within the groove which retains the terminal module in position on the docking surface. The base unit may be configured to rest upon a supporting surface, such as a counter, or may be wall mounted. The docking surface may be angled slightly from the horizontal, or may be substantially vertical.