A portable data terminal, or PDT, is an electronic device that is used to enter or retrieve data via wireless transmission (WLAN or WWAN). They can also serve as barcode readers, and they are used in large stores, warehouses, hospitals, or in the field, to access a database from a remote location. PDT's frequently run wireless device management software that allows them to interact with a database or software application hosted on a server or mainframe computer.

It is hand held, arm-mounted, or vehicle-mounted data storage and communication device. It communicates with a host computer via a radio frequency or infrared link. There are varieties of input devices available: keyboard, bar code scanner, and voice headset.