phoneapple's blog: "laser pointer pen for presentation"

As far as I know, CDRH approval will not be granted for any device of this type over 5 mW actual beam power since their classification would then need to be IIIb. So, don't expect to find a laser diode with an actual output power of 30 mW in anything like a laser pointer! Frankly, I don't understand howClass 4 Laser Pointer best buy with an output above 1 mW gain approval in any case.

The 670 nm Safety Laser Pointer especially (since they APPEAR less bright) represent a definite hazard to vision at close range. Do not underestimate the stupidity of some people who totally ignore all the safety warnings - "Wow, look at these cool afterimages." - and then wonder why their vision never quite returns to normal (though I do not know of any confirmed cases of irreversible damage to vision even from this sort of abuse).

Another popular 'specification' is how far away the Laser Pointer is visible. What the seller is probably actually referring to is the distance that their Marketing department *thinks* the beam should be visible so long as this value is greater than that of their competition.

High power green laser pointers marketers don't appear to have discovered (3) as yet (most likely due to liability issues) since the number would be extremely impressive - being in the many miles range! Apparently the Space Shuttle astronauts were able to see a 5 mW red HeNe laser (632.8 nm, similar to the best red laser pointers) from orbit, about 250 miles or 1.3 million feet. Claims could be even more impressive for a green laser pointer (532 nm), being about 5 times brighter for the same output power. Any marketing types reading this?

http://www.buylaserpointer.com/other-categories/p-165.html

Different laser pointers vary in their output capabilities. HTPOW laser pointers can produce up to 150Mw. These types of laser pointers also gives out up to 532nm waves which are always constant. This definitely goes to show how high powered these laser pointers are. The capabilities of laser pointers will determine the best place to use them. HTPOW laser pointers are best suited for outdoor activities. These laser pointers would really come in handy when you are out enjoying nature especially when mountain climbing or camping in the wild.

http://www.buylaserpointer.com/laser-module/p-163.html

Laser pointers produce a green laser which is clearly visible in all conditions. The reason why these laser pointers are mostly suitable when outdoors especially in the wild, is, because it has the capability of clearly pointing at targets located far off. It can therefore be used as a way of signaling out for help in distress situations and in many other similar situations where we need to signal from far. Laser pointers can also be used for entertainment purposes as you study the stars in clear and open skies.
http://www.buylaserpointer.com/laser-glasses/p-164.html