just ordered up some 50mw laser torches, how to they compare to 50mw laser pointers?

So, I retail lasers, and usually work with 5mw lasers (sometimes 50mw), 405 and 532nm.

Today I ordered up some 50mw laser torches, the same ones seen here DealExtreme: $35.00 50mW Flashlight-Style Green Laser - Non-Focusable (CR123A Battery Included)
or here

so, i guess im asking, what the hell is the difference between a 50mw pointer, and a 50mw torch?

a pointer is usually a pen-type, and torches look more like flashlights. torches are bigger, and the term torch just sounds cooler

so, is the physical beam larger? is that what i'm to understand?

if so, can you explain it by any factor? is it 2x as thick, 4x?

A torch can be as big as a Maglight if you wanted. There is no real size factor. The only difference between the both is a pen type is more portable as you could just stick it in your pocket and go and a torch is a little heavier and bulkier (not that u cant stick one in your pocket and go anyways) but torches usually take a bigger battery or more of em. they also have better heat transfer so they can be run at higher currents and u dont have to worry about heat as much.

Torches have alot more options as to pointers but @ 50mw you dont have to worry much about "is a torch better than a pen" because it wont make much of a difference. Just personal preference and battery life.

No, the beam is the same. Jeffreythe00 explained the difference well it's just a matter of personal preference, IMO. I like torches, but the next guy might like pens.

so, why would i want to pay $30 for a torch, when i could pay $20 for a pen?

i mean, its rhetorical, the things are in the mail. im just wondering what to expect...

Like I said, personal preference. Torches are bigger than pens, have bigger batteries, and have better heatsinking. So, the torch style will have more material, and a lot of torches are focusable, so that adds to the cost. But if you want a pen, you have to change batteries more often, keep a short duty cycle(not to say torches have massive duty cycles, but they are usually longer duty cycles than pens.) and it usually isn't focusable. So again, it is simply personal preference. If you want to pay more for a torch style, you can, but if you want to go with a less expensive pen, you can do that as well.
Edit: oops, haha I just realized I pretty much said exactly what jeffreythe00 said.