If you use a USB to Serial adapter you will still need a MAX232 as the adapter will output RS232 levels but there are other converters available that output TTL levels suitable for direct connection to a PIC.

Based on the FTDI chips.....

http://apple.clickandbuild.com/cnb/s...es%3A+TTL-232R

http://apple.clickandbuild.com/cnb/s...0&title=MM232R

This one uses a different chip and I currently use these to program AND Power my PIC projects

http://www.dontronics-shop.com/produ...1&cat=0&page=1

with the MicroUSB you will need a 1K resistor in RX and TX if your PIC is running on 5V as the device itself operates at 3.3V logic levels