A scanning system utilizing a scanner which is located in a case of size adapted to fit in the palm of the hand or to be attached to the hand along the top outside surface of the hand between the fingers and the wrist. The scanner includes a scan engine within the case mounted on a printed circuit board which scans symbols having data identifying characteristics, which are visible through a window in a side wall of the case. A switch for enabling scanning operations may be provided by a manually actuated trigger on the printed circuit board and an arm which is pivotally mounted on a post which aligns the scan engine in the case and is captured in an opening along a wall of the case. The scanner may be connected by a retractable cable to a retraction unit which can be carried by the operator. The system may be configured with the scanner on the outer side of the hand and held on the hand as by a strap or glove. A light weight arm unit is carried on the forearm. A terminal may be carried by the operator as on his or her belt. The arm unit has an outside or top surface with a keypad and display. The keypad enables the system to be turned on and off and for data to be entered which is transferred to the terminal. Passages in the arm unit are provided for cables which connect the scanner to the arm unit and the arm unit to the terminal.