Abstract: A hand held data entry terminal that, upon initialization of a data entry program downloaded from a host computer, is capable of capturing product data, through either a terminal scanner or a data entry keypad, at locations remote from the host computer. A data entry program is downloaded to a battery-powered data entry terminal from a central host computer via an RF data transceiver located in the terminal. If the terminal scanner is functional and the product contains the necessary coded representations of data, the scanner may be enabled, through a first trigger located on a terminal handle, to scan the coded representations of data. Alternatively, the terminal operator may enter alpha/numeric product data through the terminal keypad. The data entry program contains a stack of key definition tables for the terminal keypad, allowing the terminal to be designed with a minimum number of data entry keys and a terminal display of maximum size.