> I agree the 18F parts are probably nicer for newcomers, with similar prices 
> too (and C18). I also think the 18F4550 is a nice part
The 5V 18F* USB pics have pros and cons over the non-usb 5V 18F pics

pros:
they have a slightly higher rated max speed than the normal 18F parts
they can run at a wider range of speeds for a given crystal speed.
they have USB

cons:
they have smaller memories than the 2620/4620 chips
the pll in the USB pics is afaict only designed to run at 96Mhz. This 
means you have to use a clock that can be prescaled to 4MHz
the pins used by the USB perhipheral have very limited usability for 
anything else. RC3 is replaced by the  USB 3.3V rail. This pin cannot be 
used for anything else. RC4 and RC5 become input only.

personally I'd only use a USB pic if I actually wanted USB in the projet 
I was doing with it or I had a good reason for wanting the special USB 
clock block.
> , and the USB is there 
> if you need it, which is likely at some point.
The thing about USB on pics is that the USB stack tends to dominate your 
app, it takes up a lot of code space and has to be serviced frequently 
to avoid the connection dropping. In circuit debugging in a project 
using USB is also a HUGE PITA.

The pics built in USB has it's uses but a seperate USB-serial chip is 
likely easier for the hobbyist.

* I've been put off the 3.3V pics by thier lower flash endurance and 
thier vulerability to damage if the programmer/debugger is set up wrong.
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