beginner laser

hello all i wanna get into lasers as a hobby and study them as a career in physics to try building quantum computers. It is a big goal and dream that i will pursue till the day I day. I was just wondering what a good beginner laser would be. I am not looking for a pointer as I am far distant impaired and i love the blue lasers. I am 21 and know all the safety like getting good goggles and not pointing at anyone i would hate for anyone to have vision loss it sucks lol.

Take your pick. There are many on the Buy/Sell/Trade forum for sale in the blue 405nm/445nm range.

If you're looking for a lab laser, one that can remain on continuously without any overheating issues, then expect to pay more than you might for a battery-operated pointer.

If you want a gas laser, that's another story. Tell us more of the parameters and we can discuss and help identify what is best for you. What do you hope to do with it? Laser light show? Physics experimentation? Burning the asshairs of a cat at 10 feet? What?

just something to play around with light matches, pop balloons, and test physics experiments. I am looking at battery operated at the moment and will eventually get a lab one when i get some more experience and physics study under my belt. I like the 405nm and 445nm ones i see in the buy section i just didn't want to arouse questions of is he to inexperienced for it and all that because i have not handled an actual laser before so thats why i asked for beginners.

The 405s are more purple, and harder to see, per milliWatt.
The 445s are bluers and great burners, especially the 2000mW ones floating around.
My first purchase from this forum was the 445nm build shown in my signature and I am really pleased with it. One this bright, however, you will want eye protection. Refer to the link in my signature for low-cost goggles to get you started. I bought several pairs, so I can show off my lasers to friends without blinding them.

Very helpful thanks a ton, and safety is my number one priority as i was born legally blind i would not want any to go through life with low to no vision i all ready hate not being able to drive.

protect what you got, and you should be fine.
Good luck with your hunt, and tell us what you finally choose.

Thank you I will definately share what I choose!

I love green but blue is a newer color and amazing at night.