Weird, so did I...that wasn't the link I wanted to post anyway...strange.
So you think US laws on such are more strict than German laws? Come on.. :D
Anyone who wants to buy a laser that is more than just a cat toy, I would suggest they become familiar with LaserPointerForums.com LPF is the CPF of the laser world, but with nicer folks and less moderation. Lots and lot of good information there.
And there is a dedicated forum there for laser safety, I highy recommend it.
I dont want to be pushed to spending hundreds of dollars for something pretty simple I was planning to spend 10 bucks on.. ;)
Well, there is a reason I wont buy the one E posted. Its nice, but its too much. A regular laser pointer is too little, so I want to find something inbetween. Of course I could go to ebay and search "green laser pointer" and get hundreds of results, but I thought it was better to ask here first.
BTW, if you read much on LPF, their take on "200mW" Chinese laser pointers is sort of like our take on "1300 lumen Single XM-L" lights. Grossly inflated. Probably actually about 1/3 to 1/2 the stated power.
I have also been thinking about getting a laser. It could be fun to try to reach clouds with it us use at a misty evening :)
Thing is, I'm not too sure, how laws in EU restrict these?
Of course, if you buy it in parts...
I'm feel also very uncomfortable with the eye hazard they posses...
All I have to add is to make sure you get one with adjustable focus. Fixed focus suck unless you are just pointing at stars for astronomy.
@troop: Imo even 100mW is too much. Maybe 50 or sth.. dont want to blind anyone.
@Cheap: EU restricts to 5mW IIRC.
@JohnnyMac: No specific recommendation? :P
I think a lot of people would like to get a budget laserpointer, but there are thousands out there.. so how do you pick one? Its easy for flashlights, you like the looks or the emitter, driver can be swapped.. but a laser pointer? No clue.^^
I have had very good luck with the dx branded pointer. One was kind of a dud but all the other ones were good. http://dx.com/5mw-532nm-green-laser-pointer-pen-with-dx-logo-2-aaa-44128?item=8
Just forget it. I don't know about EU, but Finnish customs will seize all lasers. Yes, including those small <5mW toys from DD!
I might have stored the letter from customs, let's see if I can find it..
They said something like "Every new laser product imported to Finland must be inspected & approved by *some bureau* before it can be given to the customer." and were asking if I would like to:
- provide a proof of that specific laser pointer being already approved (Well.. How could I even know if it was?)
- get the approval by sending the product to the bureau to be approved (Which would cost like 300€)
or
- leave the product to be destroyed by customs
So.. One more laser pointer destroyed by Finnish customs. :(
I just bought this one last night had to have it....
Alright, so that much for that :|
Still, if they X-ray 100% of parcels at finnish customs, it keeps me wondering how the heck my cigar-stuff is flowing through so well...
Odds for me personally are well over 90%.
So what do I do to get one? How can they tell it's not just a flashlight?