To be honest, my main rule of thumb is to avoid Dell products alltogether. By far, the WORST customer service I have ever encountered in my life. And I've experienced some pretty poor ones.

HP on the other hand have the best customer service I have ever experienced in my life. Fully recomment them (although I don't know if they do projectors or not).

As a response to TIF, every company I've bought an electrical poduct from (bar Sony) have repaired products out of warranty (usually for a fee). What the hell else are you meant to do when your stuff breaks?!