A handle for the housing of a portable computer has a grip portion for grasping by the hand of the user, a proximal end having a proximal surface for mating with an adjacent surface of the housing, and a distal end. The handle also has an actuator assembly for operating one or more scanning functions and is located in the grip portion. A releasable connection mechanism is positioned on the proximal surface and including an operable latch extending outwardly from the proximal surface adapted for engaging with the corresponding first slot in the adjacent surface of the housing. At least one protrusion extends outwardly from the proximal surface for engaging with the corresponding second slot in the adjacent surface of the housing. A control coupling is established once the proximal surface is mated with the adjacent surface through engagement of the releasable connection mechanism.