USB to RS232 chips

[dhouston]

I am not sure, will I still need a max chip or will this replace it?

I assume you want to interface with a PIC via serial and to a PC via USB. I cannot think of any situation where you need a MAX232. FTDI usually gives you numerous schematics covering several scenarios. They should answer any further questions for you. The datasheet says (p1)

• Integrated +3.3V level converter for USB I/O.
  Integrated level converter on UART and CBUS for interfacing to between +1.8V and +5V logic.

The PL2303 http://www.prolific.com.tw/eng/Products.asp?ID=59 recommended by pedja089 is probably a viable choice as well. I've never used it at the chip level so did not include it but a Prolific chip (probably the PL2303) is used in the dongle type adapter I referenced. I have used it under Windows, Linux & OSX.