Abstract: An integral input/computer component combination is disclosed wherein a input device may share a single data port on the host computer with a Fax modem and be mounted to a monitor, printer, keyboard etc. so as to have a small footprint. A pair of UARTS coupled to a a microprocessor in the input device implements a passthrough connection from the port of the input device coupled to the data port of the host to a data port of the input device coupled to the Fax modem whenever the input device using scanning technology is not in use. A relay makes the same passthrough connection whenever power is turned off to the input device. In one zero footprint embodiment, the input device input device has snap-in projections which are pushed into slots formed in the computer component housing to lock the input device into place.