The NEC P502WL is a laser light engine installation class DLP projector having WXGA, 1280 x 800, resolution and a bright 5000 lumens rated light output. It offers a lot of features for its $3499 list price. This is a commercial/installation class projector that falls toward the lower end, in terms of size, weight and price, of the installation class of projectors rated at, or near, 5000 lumens, especially those using a laser light source.
The P502WL uses a laser/phosphor wheel light engine rated at 20,000 hours of life, which is unusual to find in an installation projector at this price point. While this is an installation class projector, it is also suitable for use in a conference room or classroom.
For education use it would probably be of most interest to colleges/universities looking for a low maintenance projector with networking capabilities and perhaps the ability to simultaneously display content from multiple sources, including mobile devices. NEC also offers some less expensive, bulb based, entry level installation class projectors in their P4xx series starting with their model P401W that has a list price of $1399 and a rated light output of 4000 lumens.
The P502WL received our Special Interest award as being a versatile projector capable of being a very good larger venue 'entry-level" installation projector as well of suitable for use in certain conference room and classroom applications. Entry level, only in that it lacks interchangeable and motorized lens options found on more expensive "larger venue" projectors.
