Chuck,

I'm assuming that you want this for presentations - PowerPoint and the like - and not video, right? If that's the case, you don't need to spend anywhere near $2000.

A decent DLP projector with XGA resolution will give you a big and very bright image (don't have to darken the room completely) and be acceptable with video (though not videophile quality). Right now you can buy very compact projectors based on TI's first-generation single-chip DLP engines for next to nothing compared to their prices a year or two ago.

For example, two models I am familiar with and would recommend:

BenQ DX550 1200 lumens (very bright), XGA, about the size of a thick hardcover book, $999 at TigerDirect.

Compaq MP1600 - this is an older model but available very cheap as a b-stock (refurbished) buy also at TigerDirect. Same 1st-gen DLP engine as the BenQ, but smaller with lower light output (600 lumens). This is enough brightness to do a 9' image in a moderately dark room. This projector is tiny, and weighs about 4 lbs. $599 also at TigerDirect.

Whatever you do, don't be caught up in "lumen wars" - both of these projectors are plenty bright for your size audience. Also remember that high-output replacement lamps (the 1400-2000 lumen models) will set you back half again the cost of a projector. I have bought projectors from TigerDirect before and have been extremely pleased with the service.

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-alan in sitges, home of the new, improved Si-Re-Do