Hi readers! Thank you for the time and attention you have chosen to spend on this introductory post of mine!
1) About Me
2) Current Laser Situation
3) From Searching to Buying
4) Pseudonomen137 (Psdn137)
5) Question/s
6) Things to Come
[highlight]1) About Me[/highlight]
I am a 27 y/o guy who goes by the name "Michael" and I'm posting from Sweden.
I have been interested in lasers for about five years now, starting with one very old, cheap and weak key chain laser pointer. But it's only recently that I've had my eyes opened to the more powerful lasers and have begun roaming the forums and actively trying to learn more about it all. (Though right now I'm staying at a "Mild enthusiast" level. I might start crackin' at a hardware level later on.)
In the every day life I see myself as being a very careful and systematic person when it comes to using expensive, technical and potentially dangerous electronics and gadgets. I like to do things by the book, LOOOVE instruction- / user manuals and I heed to other peoples' warnings, advice and tips very much. Maybe I'm on the border of being even somewhat pedantic at times...
[highlight]2) Current Laser Situation[/highlight]
Right now I am eagerly waiting for my first higher powered laser to arrive - a Prometheus 475 mW green handheld laser. I just made my final part payment for it and expect an e-mail any day now with a sweet little tracking number to help build up the hype even more.
Like I mentioned earlier, the only thing related I have owned so far is a <5 mW red, cheap, key chain laser pointer - which today are even considered "cat toys" if I'm not mistaken. That laser pointer has been used to;
A - Shine on walls
B - Play with the cats
C - Lately, used to test how far it can be seen outside at night as well as shining it through heavy steam/vapour with hope of seeing the faintest bit of actual laser beam
The new Prometheus 475 will NOT be used to play with any cats! It will rather begin with melting, smoking and burning things - the usual beginner stuff, as well as be adored outside at darker times and probably contribute to a couple of reviews, lots of pictures and a few movies. I have never seen a high powered laser in person before so I don't really know what to expect. Many people say that even though things might seem impressive in videos and images - it is nothing like the real thing (and believe me, MANY videos and images out there has made me really impressed!).
[highlight]3) From Searching to Buying[/highlight]
This was not anywhere close to an easy decision at first, that's for sure!
Step one for me is usually to do a quick local search for whatever product I'm after. However, in 98% of the time, it doesn't take very long to realize that there is nothing decent or reasonably priced to get from Sweden. So I usually end up scanning the US market and they always have LOTS of whatever I'm looking for - and the same thing goes for lasers!
I have to admit, I was very overwhelmed at first by the sheer number of options available. All the different powers, colors, makes, models, retailers, safety meassures... After a few Google searches I had made a nice little list of the largest and more popular laser retailers, such as Deal Extreme, Dragon Lasers, Wicked Lasers etc. and by the looks of the price tags, I thought I had to settle for a < 200 mW unit.
In order to help me make up my mind about all this, I found and signed up on this forum. After a day's reading, I knew that I wanted a green laser (said to be seen a bit better than red ones and I feel more for the green color) - and since I'M the one who should be happy with the laser... Not long after that, I was adviced by another member on this forum that I should get in touch with "Pseudonomen137" (Psdn137) - and that's the last step I needed to take before completing the purchase of my first laser.
Due to being left with more cash left on my account than expected, I chose to go for one of his well priced 300 mW Prometheus lasers, but later on, decided to go B I G and upgraded my order to receive a 475 mW Prometheus instead. Together with this unit I ordered the obligatory protection goggles (which I'm trusting *Psdn137 wholeheartedly will give me adequate protection), two extra high quality rechargeable batteries and a small storage case.
Now, I KNOW that 475 mW is very steep for someone's first laser considering people often start out with < 200 mW and work their way up. However, I do not want to be infected by the "I want more power" bug and I also want a laser unit which will keep me satisfied for a very long time to come - and I have no doubt that the Prometheus 475 will address both these things very effectively! At an age of 27, I know that I am well grown up and have both the maturity and brains to use such a high powered laser like this in a safe and responsible way, and being prompted everywhere I look, on this forum, in videos, about the dangers of lasers and permanent eye-damage - that really kicks my respect and safety concerns into overgear! (Besides, I don't think it really matters whether you're using a 100 mW or a +500 mW laser, they'll both be hazardous for your eyes if hit by the beam.)
I also like the safety features of the Prometheus since it requires a key to operate. Even though this laser will be stored at a safe location where nobody should be able to get their hands on it without me knowing about it nor allowing it - freak occurences can happen - and due to this fact, I'll feel very safe and secure knowing that the key stays with ME, and well separated from the unit!
[highlight]4) Pseudonomen137 (Psdn137)[/highlight]
*Psdn137 has been really great having to deal with. He has very patiently answered all my questions, responded to literally dozens of mails, taught me lots of things and given much advice! Like previously mentioned; I know that 475 mW is a very steep start for a newcomer, especially for being a first laser! However, nothing negative should fall on *Psdn137 though - he very clearly expressed his concern about selling such a high powered laser to a beginner early in our correspondence - something I really appreciate and value very much! That clearly shows that he cares more about peoples' safety than selling expensive units and possibly making the biggest profits.
*Psdn137 / A1 Lasers has great pricing - not too costly products and not too cheap either, which could make it feel as if you're buying some kids toy rather than a real, sturdy, top-of-the-line unit. He offers a great range of products and accessories, lasers of various power to suit most people out there, as well as good shipping options and the ability to make interest-free partial payments (product/s shipped after final payment). *Psdn137 also provides a certificate together with his lasers which certifies that the lasers emits the power it is supposed to (and often goes well beyond too). He has also assured me that I will most likely get my package without any problems or delays with customs or such during its way over here - and should customs interfere and seize my package, I will either be refunded or sent another package.
Things like this has made my acquaintance with *Psdn137 very positive and appreciated, and he has conduced to making this purchase as a positive experience as possible!
[highlight]5) Question/s[/highlight]
Of course I have a couple of questions I'd like to air regarding lasers and this forum.
Most of you people here are way more experienced than me and anyone who'd like to take a shot at these questions, please do so - I would really appreciate it!
Question #1
What amount of mW draws the line for a laser unit to be either considered a "laser pointer" or a real laser?
(i.e. Everything <5 mW is a laser pointer and +5 mW is a real laser)
Question #2
I have no means of verifying the power of the laser I'm about to get - and do not take this question as me not trusting *Psdn137 - that I won't get the 475 mW I've paid for! But what should I expect out of a 475 mW green handheld laser? Can anyone give any examples?
(i.e. I should be able to light matches over X feet away, I should be able to burn (through)/smoke this and that, the beam should be how visible in a room with clean air etc.) Anything I could try and see if it manages, and then perhaps include in an upcoming review, whether the laser made it happen or not.
Question #3
About this forum; Can I make a future review on my own web-site and then post a link to that in the review-section of this forum?
Or would you rather have the review posted directly in this forum? Maybe users are not very keen on following external links (as long as they do not lead to YouTube with regards for virus risks, commercial spamming and other similar dislikes?
Question #4
If you imagine clean every day in-door air (such as the air inside a non-smoker's living room or whatever) - is there some kind of formula that shows how much a laser beam looses in power over a certain distance? I mean, a laser beam should be more powerful closer to the laser unit itself and then get weaker the further away you get. If I know that a room is XX feet long, has clean air and that the laser emits a 475 mW beam - can I use some formula to calculate how strong the beam is as it hits the opposite wall?
Question #5
Can a 475 mW green laser burn light objects/surfaces - like burning through a white plastic bag or a white piece of paper, or is that just not possible for hand-held and/or green lasers?
[highlight]6) Things to Come[/highlight]
Well, in addition to responding to eventual responses in this thread, I will most certainly post a very detailed review of my soon to be received Prometheus 475 together with quite a few pictures and maybe even some videos - if I find Windows Movie Maker to be compatible with what I want. I might throw down some posts and replies in the future too as I become more experienced and know what I'm talking about. Right now I'm just reading and learning and enjoying other peoples' experiences (well, except for the unfortunate and negative ones).
Thank you for reading and devoting your time and attention to this ten feet long introductory post of mine!
Have a lovely remainder of the day!
/ GL
*Psdn137 = Pseudonomen137 (a registered user and laser retailer in this community)
1) About Me
2) Current Laser Situation
3) From Searching to Buying
4) Pseudonomen137 (Psdn137)
5) Question/s
6) Things to Come
[highlight]1) About Me[/highlight]
I am a 27 y/o guy who goes by the name "Michael" and I'm posting from Sweden.
I have been interested in lasers for about five years now, starting with one very old, cheap and weak key chain laser pointer. But it's only recently that I've had my eyes opened to the more powerful lasers and have begun roaming the forums and actively trying to learn more about it all. (Though right now I'm staying at a "Mild enthusiast" level. I might start crackin' at a hardware level later on.)
In the every day life I see myself as being a very careful and systematic person when it comes to using expensive, technical and potentially dangerous electronics and gadgets. I like to do things by the book, LOOOVE instruction- / user manuals and I heed to other peoples' warnings, advice and tips very much. Maybe I'm on the border of being even somewhat pedantic at times...
[highlight]2) Current Laser Situation[/highlight]
Right now I am eagerly waiting for my first higher powered laser to arrive - a Prometheus 475 mW green handheld laser. I just made my final part payment for it and expect an e-mail any day now with a sweet little tracking number to help build up the hype even more.
Like I mentioned earlier, the only thing related I have owned so far is a <5 mW red, cheap, key chain laser pointer - which today are even considered "cat toys" if I'm not mistaken. That laser pointer has been used to;
A - Shine on walls
B - Play with the cats
C - Lately, used to test how far it can be seen outside at night as well as shining it through heavy steam/vapour with hope of seeing the faintest bit of actual laser beam
The new Prometheus 475 will NOT be used to play with any cats! It will rather begin with melting, smoking and burning things - the usual beginner stuff, as well as be adored outside at darker times and probably contribute to a couple of reviews, lots of pictures and a few movies. I have never seen a high powered laser in person before so I don't really know what to expect. Many people say that even though things might seem impressive in videos and images - it is nothing like the real thing (and believe me, MANY videos and images out there has made me really impressed!).
[highlight]3) From Searching to Buying[/highlight]
This was not anywhere close to an easy decision at first, that's for sure!
Step one for me is usually to do a quick local search for whatever product I'm after. However, in 98% of the time, it doesn't take very long to realize that there is nothing decent or reasonably priced to get from Sweden. So I usually end up scanning the US market and they always have LOTS of whatever I'm looking for - and the same thing goes for lasers!
I have to admit, I was very overwhelmed at first by the sheer number of options available. All the different powers, colors, makes, models, retailers, safety meassures... After a few Google searches I had made a nice little list of the largest and more popular laser retailers, such as Deal Extreme, Dragon Lasers, Wicked Lasers etc. and by the looks of the price tags, I thought I had to settle for a < 200 mW unit.
In order to help me make up my mind about all this, I found and signed up on this forum. After a day's reading, I knew that I wanted a green laser (said to be seen a bit better than red ones and I feel more for the green color) - and since I'M the one who should be happy with the laser... Not long after that, I was adviced by another member on this forum that I should get in touch with "Pseudonomen137" (Psdn137) - and that's the last step I needed to take before completing the purchase of my first laser.
Due to being left with more cash left on my account than expected, I chose to go for one of his well priced 300 mW Prometheus lasers, but later on, decided to go B I G and upgraded my order to receive a 475 mW Prometheus instead. Together with this unit I ordered the obligatory protection goggles (which I'm trusting *Psdn137 wholeheartedly will give me adequate protection), two extra high quality rechargeable batteries and a small storage case.
Now, I KNOW that 475 mW is very steep for someone's first laser considering people often start out with < 200 mW and work their way up. However, I do not want to be infected by the "I want more power" bug and I also want a laser unit which will keep me satisfied for a very long time to come - and I have no doubt that the Prometheus 475 will address both these things very effectively! At an age of 27, I know that I am well grown up and have both the maturity and brains to use such a high powered laser like this in a safe and responsible way, and being prompted everywhere I look, on this forum, in videos, about the dangers of lasers and permanent eye-damage - that really kicks my respect and safety concerns into overgear! (Besides, I don't think it really matters whether you're using a 100 mW or a +500 mW laser, they'll both be hazardous for your eyes if hit by the beam.)
I also like the safety features of the Prometheus since it requires a key to operate. Even though this laser will be stored at a safe location where nobody should be able to get their hands on it without me knowing about it nor allowing it - freak occurences can happen - and due to this fact, I'll feel very safe and secure knowing that the key stays with ME, and well separated from the unit!
[highlight]4) Pseudonomen137 (Psdn137)[/highlight]
*Psdn137 has been really great having to deal with. He has very patiently answered all my questions, responded to literally dozens of mails, taught me lots of things and given much advice! Like previously mentioned; I know that 475 mW is a very steep start for a newcomer, especially for being a first laser! However, nothing negative should fall on *Psdn137 though - he very clearly expressed his concern about selling such a high powered laser to a beginner early in our correspondence - something I really appreciate and value very much! That clearly shows that he cares more about peoples' safety than selling expensive units and possibly making the biggest profits.
*Psdn137 / A1 Lasers has great pricing - not too costly products and not too cheap either, which could make it feel as if you're buying some kids toy rather than a real, sturdy, top-of-the-line unit. He offers a great range of products and accessories, lasers of various power to suit most people out there, as well as good shipping options and the ability to make interest-free partial payments (product/s shipped after final payment). *Psdn137 also provides a certificate together with his lasers which certifies that the lasers emits the power it is supposed to (and often goes well beyond too). He has also assured me that I will most likely get my package without any problems or delays with customs or such during its way over here - and should customs interfere and seize my package, I will either be refunded or sent another package.
Things like this has made my acquaintance with *Psdn137 very positive and appreciated, and he has conduced to making this purchase as a positive experience as possible!
[highlight]5) Question/s[/highlight]
Of course I have a couple of questions I'd like to air regarding lasers and this forum.
Most of you people here are way more experienced than me and anyone who'd like to take a shot at these questions, please do so - I would really appreciate it!
Question #1
What amount of mW draws the line for a laser unit to be either considered a "laser pointer" or a real laser?
(i.e. Everything <5 mW is a laser pointer and +5 mW is a real laser)
Question #2
I have no means of verifying the power of the laser I'm about to get - and do not take this question as me not trusting *Psdn137 - that I won't get the 475 mW I've paid for! But what should I expect out of a 475 mW green handheld laser? Can anyone give any examples?
(i.e. I should be able to light matches over X feet away, I should be able to burn (through)/smoke this and that, the beam should be how visible in a room with clean air etc.) Anything I could try and see if it manages, and then perhaps include in an upcoming review, whether the laser made it happen or not.
Question #3
About this forum; Can I make a future review on my own web-site and then post a link to that in the review-section of this forum?
Or would you rather have the review posted directly in this forum? Maybe users are not very keen on following external links (as long as they do not lead to YouTube with regards for virus risks, commercial spamming and other similar dislikes?
Question #4
If you imagine clean every day in-door air (such as the air inside a non-smoker's living room or whatever) - is there some kind of formula that shows how much a laser beam looses in power over a certain distance? I mean, a laser beam should be more powerful closer to the laser unit itself and then get weaker the further away you get. If I know that a room is XX feet long, has clean air and that the laser emits a 475 mW beam - can I use some formula to calculate how strong the beam is as it hits the opposite wall?
Question #5
Can a 475 mW green laser burn light objects/surfaces - like burning through a white plastic bag or a white piece of paper, or is that just not possible for hand-held and/or green lasers?
[highlight]6) Things to Come[/highlight]
Well, in addition to responding to eventual responses in this thread, I will most certainly post a very detailed review of my soon to be received Prometheus 475 together with quite a few pictures and maybe even some videos - if I find Windows Movie Maker to be compatible with what I want. I might throw down some posts and replies in the future too as I become more experienced and know what I'm talking about. Right now I'm just reading and learning and enjoying other peoples' experiences (well, except for the unfortunate and negative ones).
Thank you for reading and devoting your time and attention to this ten feet long introductory post of mine!
Have a lovely remainder of the day!
/ GL
*Psdn137 = Pseudonomen137 (a registered user and laser retailer in this community)