Help Beginner Choosing New Laser

I have decided to get a laser however I'm confused by the price discrepancies. When I looked on the newb advice for buying a laser they gave some companies to buy a laser from. http://laserpointerforums.com/f45/guide-buying-your-first-green-laser-30608.html.

All the companies sell lasers at 100 + mW for 300+ but wicked sells a 1000mW for less than that. Then I decided to look at the sale section. There I found a seller who everyone seems to be saying nice things about but is selling 1.5 W lasers for only 210! http://laserpointerforums.com/f39/1w-445nm-lasers-starting-180-shipped-57216.html

Anyone have any tips. I have approx <250 to spend on a laser but I'm confused by the dramatic price discrepancy.

Edit: posted in wrong thread oops

But ill go ahead and answer anyway.

1. Wicked Lasers are wickedly crap

2. Price will vary GREATLY depending on the laser wavelength - 405nm 445nm 532nm etc etc (violet blue green)

3. Before you can make an informed decision you need to do no posting and a lot of reading. ALL THE BASICS ARE EASILY ACCESSIBLE WITHOUT THE NEED TO POST ANYTHING! and going about it this route will make you alot more friends here.

Where is the right place? I just though the "help" section seemed appropriate.

First of all what color do you want?
If you want a blue 445 than I would order this one http://laserpointerforums.com/f39/1w-445nm-lasers-starting-180-shipped-57216.html I would not recommend buying from Wicked and don't forget to get some safety glasses before you use a laser.

Please introduce yourself in the welome section and don't forget to read the rules and stickies.

Well I like power and I understand that blue is more powerful than red or green (not to sound irresponsible or anything). So it is reasonable that a laser from NOVA that powerful is near a grand while this guy is selling them for 180? I mostly want something that burns things, wows people and then I can use for wood etching (similar consistency to balsa) on my death machines.