There aren’t many simple ways to add a USB interface to a project using only through-hole parts. This USB-serial adapter from FTDI has the same shape and pinout as a through-hole serial connector.
It’s a little pricey (~$22), a USB->serial cable is usually cheaper, but it’s a nice option for a professional-looking USB device without surface mount parts or a USB firmware.
via Hack A Day.
Other than the cost thats a good idea, i’m forever losing cables, but I think at $22 a time I might start being more carefull :)
For a finished project that needs to be used almost daily I would consider these.
DrF
On eBay, we can find FTDI based USB adaptor (like http://cgi.ebay.fr/PC-USB-to-RS232-Module-Based-TTL-FTDI-FT232BM-BL-Chip-/320508487391?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4a9fcb66df) for an average ptice of 8-12€- Quite less expensive ;)
And here’s the cheap version…
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/mikroElektronika/MIKROE-549/?qs=jBNCx3lXxWvk8yLXcW1NOMFFNqnQXT83n8orRm%2fo0P0%3d