>  Speaking of 8 pin devices, I was also just at a seminar and I don't
> remember any references to 8 pin PIC's. Unless you are referring to the
> KEELOQ encoder chip?

Per Microchip's web site, there ARE going to be 8-pin devices.  By the
sound of it, they're equivalent to the 16C54 except:

[1] No external clock generator (internal 4MHz)

[2] Code=512, Data=25, like the 54

[3] Watchdog unknown

[4] No external reset (or RTCC?) input

[5] Only 6 I/O pins [I don't know whether portB only or some portA some portB

[6] Price under $1.