Final answer:
A specialized computing device for taking inventory in a grocery store is a handheld computer, which is portable and designed for specific functions like scanning barcodes and managing stock.
Step-by-step explanation:
The specialized form of computing device you might see used by an individual taking inventory in a grocery store aisle is a handheld computer. This type of device is particularly suited for tasks such as scanning barcodes and managing stock levels due to its portability and ease of use. In the evolution of personal computing, devices have become more specialized and tailored to perform specific functions like inventory management.
Early personal computers, such as minicomputers, were used for a variety of government and private purposes but were not portable. The proliferation of microprocessors in the 1980s made it possible to integrate computing power into a variety of electronic devices, including the handheld devices used today in various industries, including retail.