If he wants to go with a new projector, the Mitsu HC4000 is tough to beat for ~$1200-1300. If he can stretch to $1800-2000 a world of options open up. And with a used projector, even more so...I think a DIY screen is a good option too like Yesfan mentioned if time is not important and you also won't be restricted to $/INCH, but for $400 to unpack and have a screen together and hung in 45 minutes is very convenient.