A Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or handheld device comprising a main unit and an option pack, wherein the option pack stores all of the application software and drivers. Upon insertion, the hardware interface invokes a device manager on the main unit that interrogates a memory device on the option pack. The interrogation includes data on drivers, applications, configuration and miscellaneous requirements of the option pack. This identification process allows the option pack to store information, drivers and applications on the option pack, so the main unit does not have to use its memory to store information on a large number of option packs. Once the option pack and its applications are identified, the device manager on the main unit retrieves the applications and drivers from a separate memory device on the option pack and downloads the applications and drivers onto the main unit. Upon de-installation of the option pack from the main unit, the applications and drivers are removed from the main unit.