> FWIW, I just recieved two requested samples of the
> Maxim MAX3100 SPI UART. These chips are supposedly
> available in PDIP, I requested them in PDIP, and...
> they came in PDIP. Remarkable.

Yup, I have two of them (DIP) too. (And used them in a product, now that's
what they wanted, probably?) I requested a bit more samples this week, and
received them today. Fast service. Anyway, of the 6 chips 4 weren't available
as anything other than QSOP or even uMAX, of all things (uMAX-10 is
really a nervewrecking experience to solder by hand...) One of the chips,
MAX3110E (a follow-up to MAX3100 with integrated RS-232 transceivers) was
supposed to be available as DIP but I got a SO-28 anyway. One other chip was
DIP as requested.

But all in all, why should I complain? I got the chips for free. And I'm sure
that I will be using at least 3 of the 6 chips in a product within this year,
so they also get their money's worth in the end.