I'm looking for a cheaper alternative of the FTDI chip, so far I like the PL-2303HX however the problem with it is there are fake copies all over the net. And I don't see any official distributors that allow you to buy original chips online.

Does anybody have an idea where can this chip be bought? :) Preferably from some trusted distributor, as ebay is full of the fake copies.

Or can you recommend any other lower cost alternative?

If I use an MCU with built-in USB (like http://bg.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Atmel/AT90USB162-16AU/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMvqv2n3s2xjsQTu%2f4bUyWdj9YFYcQSYNcY%3d) is this a good choice? Do I need any windows drivers in this case?

Thanks!