Portable modular work station including printer and portable data collection terminal

Data collection apparatus includes an assemblage of a data collection terminal and a carrying case which is a combination of a printer module and a docking module which are joined and combined into a unitary structure. The carrying case has an attached handle which is preferably attached to the printer module. The carrying case further includes a holder for temporarily grasping an data collection accessory, such as a bar code scanner. The data terminal is quickly insertible and removable from the docking module. Communication connectors and communication wiring becomes coupled to the data collection terminal upon insertion of the data collection terminal into the docking module. If the data collection terminal is equipped with a scanner device attached cable to the data collection terminal, the scanner device may temporarily be stored in the holder, such that the data collection terminal, including such a scanner, and a printer within the printer module can be ported at a single unit between various use points. The data collection terminal including the scanner may be operated while disposed within the docking module of the carrying case. As an assemblage with the apparatus, a support structure in form of a formed tray includes provisions for attachment to a shopping cart. The tray also includes a support frame about a cavity of the tray. The carrying case may be placed into the support frame such that the data collection terminal may be operated from within the docking module of the carrying case while the carrying case is supported by the tray within a shopping cart.