Try the 4004.
..
I see 1 watt 5.1v zener diodes for $0.18 in singles at Digikey . Use
high efficiency LEDs and your PIC(+ resistor). Why wouldn't that work?
If you're going high quantity which you imply by saying cost is a
major factor, you can get a 7805 for $0.23 in 2500 quantity.
--
Martin K

On 10/15/07, Peter Feucht <p.feucht@palmed-medizintechnik.de> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I have a very small project on my desk: A tone generator which should
> produce a simple meldody, has to check a key press and light 2 LEDs. No deal
> at all BUT cost is a major factor. When checking the prices I found, that
> the voltage regulator's price is in about the same region as the PIC itself,
> which lead me to the question: Are there any micro controllers which can be
> operated directly at an unregulated 12V supply?
>
> Thanks for enlighten me and best regards
>
> Peter
-- 
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