A detachable magnetic docking system for a handheld device comprises a docking plate having a major surface and a shell for the handheld device having a reverse surface. The major surface and the reverse surface are contoured to mate when adjacent one another to align the shell over the docking plate. Cooperative magnetic elements are located in the docking plate and in the shell to retain the handheld device on the docking plate. The contour of the major surface includes a recessed area. The handheld device having internal battery compartments located adjacent non-recessed areas of the major surface.