George,

Standard? Not totally sure what that means in a DB-9 to mini stereo phone plug but if there is such a thing, perhaps it is "standard".
The one I have is from Philips PDEG and is molded at both ends so one might conclude that it is some standard, just not sure which.

Tom,
It is unclear at this time although based upon current Pronto packaging, one might conclude that the extra space was intended for the serial cable and perhaps a disc.
There is also some discussion that the software will simply be posted on the net and that users purchasing units (identified by S/N) prior to release with cable will be entitled to the cable when available. In any case, the cable is probably worth about $10 at retail as it's simply a DB-9 to mini stereo phone plug.
I hope this helps in your decision making process. Also, I wouldn't expect to see cables packaged until sometime after the end of January as it will probably take that long to clear out inventory prior to disc/cable inclusion.