> Using a VGA projector with an M1 Mac
Is there any way I can connect my much-loved old NEC VT660 video projector to my M1 MacBook Pro, or is this a lost cause?
You could buy a brand new video projector with support for 1080p or better. Like this Epson EH–TW9400.
You can, as M1 series Macs still support output to old VGA/XGA graphics devices like your old projector. Apple recommends that, rather than trying to use an HDMI to VGA Adaptor, you should try a USB–C VGA Multiport Adaptor instead. Although the Apple adaptor is relatively expensive, costing $69, that should give the best chance of it working well. Unfortunately, success with such old devices isn’t guaranteed.