There are surely a lot of cheap ROM programmers in the market. And they are easy to be built by yourself,if you have some experience. I suggest you should use 28128 or 28256.(29xx series will also OKay). Because these devices are Flash-ROM. They can be reprogrammed many times.

From what I understand the target price is $20. It's worth every penny. You folks in China might be screwed, though. Sorry.

I really wonder how you "understand the target price is $20"

Have you checked the price on their website?
http://www.parallax.com/propeller/

They claim clearly:
Please ...

However,I am afraid it will also be a bit expensive for Amateurs.

Some versions of Linux for embeded applications needn't MMU

But I am now busy in doing my development.Maybe I will have time to do some translate.
but not now.

!!!