Part suggestion: MAX3232CPE or ST3232CN 16-pin DIP (3.3V/5V MAX232 chips)

RobotWorkshop

With the Propeller being a 3.3V device it would really be nice if Parallax could stock either the MAX3232CPE or the ST3232CN chips. It seems that not too many places stock the DIP version of this chip. Since it works at both 3.3V and 5V it can work with the Propeller and BASIC Stamp modules to easily connect to serial devices that use standard RS232 signal levels.

Leon

Lots of suppliers stock the DIL-16 MAX3232CPE:

http://www.findchips.com/avail?part=MAX3232CPE

WBA Consulting

I will agree with both posts. I would like to see it on Parallax's inventory list even though they are available in plenty of places.

http://www.oemstrade.com/search/MAX3232CPE/

Funny thing, the best price I found was at Sparkfun:
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/316

However, you could go with an Exar/Sipex version (SP3232EBCP-L) and get it for 75 cents.
http://www.futureelectronics.com/en/technologies/semiconductors/signal-interface/rs-232/Pages/7777766-SP3232EBCP-L.aspx

RobotWorkshop

I see that Digikey and Mouser have them in stock now but as I recall the last time I went to order some they were out and many places only stocked the surface mount version. It looks like there are a few more suppliers out there for them but I wouldn't say there are a plenty that keep the DIP version on hand. The surface mount version is easier to get and of course the regular 5V MAX232 is available everywhere. Looks like Sparkfun is a good option for this one.