Hitachi have recently released some cheaper 240x64 OR 240x160 Black on white STN modules that are reasonably priced.
The have excellent resolution and look impressive , best of all they use the T6963 controller (for which there is alot of web source available)..
search google for

LMG7380QHFC AND SP10Q002

The 240x160 starter kit (with manuals ,display,inverter etc) is only double the price of a 20x2 backlit unit.
(£44.00 + vat in the uk)
And as we get severly screwed for price here,there probably $44 in America.