An adapter for a ruggedized personal digital assistant (RPDA) may include a generally L-shaped housing with first and second legs. The first leg may have a generally tubular shape and may include a protruding ridge that is slidable in a stylus groove of the RPDA. The first leg may include a connector for a multi-function cable and an opening for a communication cable. The second leg may include a power connector for engaging the power-in port of the RPDA and a serial data connector for engaging the serial data port of the RPDA. A multi-function cable assembly may be disposed in the first leg and may connect to the multi-function cable connector. Inside the first leg, the multi-function cable assembly may split into a plurality of cables for connecting to the RPDA.