Abstract: A data communication system permits optical communication between a printer and a handheld data-collection computer. The printer has a receiving cavity disposed at an outer surface thereof with a first optical communication port disposed on at least one surface of the receiving cavity. The first optical communication port is coupled to the printer to permit data communications therewith. The data-collection computer has a second optical communication port disposed at an outer surface thereof. The second optical communication port is coupled to the computer to permit data communications therewith. The computer is adapted for partial insertion into the receiving cavity to bring the first optical communication port into partial alignment with the second optical communication port, thereby enabling data communication over an optical medium between the first and second optical communication ports to permit direct data communication between the printer and the computer.