You could always used this LCD from Sparkfun. Looks like it may be cheaper than the one you are using and the Samsung controller is a direct replacement for the Hitachi.

Looking at the display you are using there are somethings you need to do:
DEFINE LCD_LINES=4
The $FE cursor commands in the PIC BASIC Pro table for LCDOUT are not correct for this part - First line starts at x080(0x80 + 0x00), second at 0xA0(0x80 + 0x20), third at 0xC0 (0x80 +0x40), and fourth line at 0XE0 (00x80 +0x60).

Otherwise it is the same as the HD44780.