There is another option for the USB version. Kitsrus kits use
the USB-to-RS232 bridge chips. Of course it will add to the 
cost. However I think the USB 18F PICs may not be so cheap 
as well. So I agree there will still lot of serial port
based product.

Speaking of USB PIC 18F, I just start to wonder if there will
be something like PICkit II, Wisp628-II and EasyProg-II using
them. Just my wish though. Judging from AN956B, it seems that
the host software may not need to be changed much by using
CDC profile. Am I correct?

>From Fred Eady's Circuit Cellar Article (August 2003)
"On the other hand, if you want to market a USB-equipped product,
you have to either fork out $2500 per year to join the club 
(i.e., USB Implementers Forum) or obtain a USB vender ID 
(good for two years) for a measly $1500. Either way, your 
product must pass various tests to be certified."

I am not so sure about this. But maybe you can use Microchip's
vendor ID. Silabs has the CP2101/CP2102 and it seems to me
that they say you can use their vendor ID. To omit the standard
confirming test, you may just not put the USB logo on the product.
I am really not so sure about this. 

Xiaofan

>Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2004 08:09:51 -0500
>From: olin_piclist@embedinc.com (Olin Lathrop)
>...
>Things have gotten a bit better recently with the introduction of the full
>speed USB 18F PICs.  We finally now have a decent microcontroller that can
>do full speed USB with a reasonable and well supported development
>environment.  Now if the USB organization would only lighten up a little
for
>small players, USB might finally fulfill its original promise.
>...
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