I'd also like to add something as I don't have the opportunity to do this too much. I have some projects that use USB and I don't use a regulator, it saves (very little) on the cost of the product, and it works very well. Just incase you are going to make a big project off of the USB, most computers have a 500mA limit so if you are going to have a lot of loads, be careful not to go over that limit. Does anyone know if they will make computers with more than the 500mA limit?