New Digital Projector

I'm starting to give lectures again after my Covid hiatus.  My current projector is about 15 year old technology.  the laptop display runs at 3840x2160 and the projector at 1024x780.  The program is more a technical how to rather than knock your socks of with my photographs program.  Still, I'd like good color and resolution.  Relatively small rooms.  Current projector 1500 or 2000 lumen seems adequate.  Doubt I'd ever need to throw more than 50ft. Any suggestions?

I find that virtually any smaller room these days has a 75" or larger TV and I just plug my computer into that via HDMI which also then translates any audio if you happen to show video as part of your program. I haven't used my projector, similar vintage as yours, in about 10 years. Larger rooms generally already have a projector so I just use their's.

The room is owned by the government. No TV. I'll remember to bing HDMI just in case.

Given the lack of a tv, a related issue is the screen you will be using or a wall in the room. If it is a wall, the viewed images may be negatively impacted to some degree. The same is true if the screen is old and was designed for slides and not digital projectors.

My camera club uses an Epson projector with a screen we bought for digital projectors. I believe its model number is EX7240 Pro Wireless WXGA 3LCD Projector. We bought it in 2017. It probably has ben replaced with something else, but this will give you an idea. Display resolution 1280 x 800.

I would check out the Epson projectors B & H sells that fit your price range.

One reason we picked an Epson was that replacement bulbs were reasonably priced. Many other brands are not.

I've got a good screen but one is provided in the room we use.