Cheapest Decent Gaming Projector?

[commandercup]

I've got a free room in the basement that I'd like to convert into my little 'pad' if you will, and it is large enough to fit a decent projector...

So, how much is the cheapest projector that can decently run games? (ie. Good brightness, nice contrast ratio, w/e specs are needed)

I'll be getting around $500 soon from selling my paintball gear and other stuff on various forums and thus would like to create that little room as neccesary.

I've already got a sound system, my PC is fine for me and I've got a 19" ws LCD and a 15" CRT...

I was thinking maybe dual 22" monitors instead of a projector... that would be sweet and affordable (~400) although i would hate having the edges of the monitors creating dead space inbetween the picture...

 

[Solaris17]

well almost anything that supports a rez over 1024x768 is close to a grand...however

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2003430042+4020&name=%24400+-+%24500 depending on how far away you want to go these may suit you the veiw sonics at the bottum appear to be the best of the bunch. throw distance is good and the brightness is good not entirely sure how sharp they'll be but anything over 800x600 is mad expensive.

 

[commandercup]

wow, a $100 rebate!? dang... expires today lol

how much of a difference will resolution make?

I just want to make sure that I can read text in games and on webpages etc. with decent visual quality during games/movies

 

[Solaris17]

resolution matters more for small things and the farther away you will be projecting.

 

[commandercup]

The room itself is actually pretty small

putting the projector close to the wall is no problem since the room isn't that large

 

[Solaris17]

well than id go for it make sure it gets dark though that would be the best for gaming etc.

 

[commandercup]

ok cool

yeah, light is no problem since its in the basement and theres only 1 window which is a small rectangular slit thats maybe a foot across and 4 inches tall. (I can cover it with some towels or paper or something)

thanks!

 

[Solaris17]

best bet

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824116389

 

[commandercup]

ahh yeah, I was looking at that just now

only $10 more (besides the rebate) and it has a bit better brightness, zoom, more input compatability etc.

although... if that other one gets a rebate again, I'll definately pick that up...

I'll try to find some reviews to see how well it shows text

 

[ShadowFold]

Dual monitors aint that bad. There is a little cut-off but my friend has dual 24'' ws and its pretty tight.

 

[commandercup]

eh, it would be awesome for movies and stuff, but for gaming...

edit:

new qeustion

how important is a screen for the projector? The room has plain white walls with nothing on them... will that suffice?