msp430g2553, how can I get a UART baud rate higher than 9600?
As you have noted, the Launchpad's USB driver is hard coded for 9600bps. You cannot change it.


  So how can I set up a USB/Serial connection in place of the launchpad?


By bypassing the Launchpad's usb serial connection. You need a USB to ~3.3V (3.6 for Launchpad Standard Voltage) TTL Serial adapter.

Just remove the RX and TX jumpers, and connect the MSP430's RX to the Serial Adapter's TX, and MSP430's TX to the Adapter's RX. You can still program &amp; debug the msp430 via the launchpad as all it needs is the SBW and RST jumpers.

Configure the msp430 to match the speed you need. Any standard FTDI or Prolific or Cypress usb-serial ic with the right voltage would work.