user1692: What I need:

reasonable resolution (not 640x480, maybe 1024x768 minimum, but I'm willing to budge on this)
long life, no need to change parts
connects to a standard computer VGA out

What I don't need

SD/USB port
speakers
color depth
absolute smoothness
portability
HDMI video input
S-video input
any other sort of input than VGA

In other words, minimally I need to be able to project in grayscale and without worrying about changing a bulb. So which flavor of digital projector should I be buying?

user1707: I would look on Ebay and Craigslist since your requirements would be met by most projectors produced in the last 10+ years. Find one that suits you, and invest in a spare bulb (or two) while you're at it, since you might be buying a used item.
Also, check out Slickdeals for clearance items, such as this BenQ DLP projector that meets your requirements: http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3634482

1692: <p>What I need:</p>

<ul>
<li>reasonable resolution (not 640x480, maybe 1024x768 minimum, but I'm willing to budge on this)</li>
<li>long life, no need to change parts</li>
<li>connects to a standard computer VGA out</li>
</ul>

<p>What I don't need</p>

<ul>
<li>SD/USB port</li>
<li>speakers</li>
<li>color depth</li>
<li>absolute smoothness</li>
<li>portability</li>
<li>HDMI video input</li>
<li>S-video input</li>
<li>any other sort of input than VGA</li>
</ul>

<p>In other words, minimally I need to be able to project in grayscale and without worrying about changing a bulb. So which flavor of digital projector should I be buying?</p>
 1707: <p>I would look on Ebay and Craigslist since your requirements would be met by most projectors produced in the last 10+ years. Find one that suits you, and invest in a spare bulb (or two) while you're at it, since you might be buying a used item.</p>

<p>Also, check out Slickdeals for clearance items, such as this BenQ DLP projector that meets your requirements: <a href="http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3634482" rel="nofollow">http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3634482</a></p>
