very simple first laser

I just started looking into building a laser pointer because it seems pretty interesting but I don't want to spend a whole lot on this. I've looked around a little and I just wanna know if if the diodes they sell at radioshack work. They say 300 or 500mw and what voltage you need but don't specify what wavelength they are. If I used batteries matching the power needed for these would they make a decent laser?

You need a driver to make the diode work AND not die. IF you use direct drive, you will kill it(not recommended). AND it's proboly an IR diode which means you can't see it and is VERY dangerous!

I don't even think radioshack sells diodes...