A data terminal is composed a main body provided with a
fingerprint-reading apparatus and a main cover provided with a display.
The main cover shields the fingerprint-reading apparatus when the data
terminal is not used, and opens to expose the display bringing a side
thereof into contact with the main body when the data terminal is used.
The fingerprint-reading apparatus is composed of a fingerprint-reading
portion on which a finger print is read in a state that a finger is put
thereon, a cover for closing the fingerprint-reading portion and a plate
on which a user puts his finger to open the cover. The plate is formed of
conductive material, and connected with the ground. When the user opens
the cover, he puts his finger on the plate, and static electricity stored
on his finger is conducted to the ground. Accordingly, static electricity
stored on his finger is removed in a state that the user is not aware of
his action for removing static electricity stored on his finger during
his movement for putting his finger on a fingerprint-reading portion,
hence the fingerprint-reading apparatus is prevented from operating
wrongly or being damaged.