BillO:
I've used a simple RED LED in cases like this. It will reduce 5V to something a 3.3V chip will be happy with. I also use a 680 ohm resistor to ensure the LED lights up. That way I get my pilot light (power on) too.
thats a very good tip. thank you.
saved me some space on tiny pcb and three components less (no v regulator circuit + led works as power on indicator)
there should be a book with tips like these