Proctor said:
$500 isn't worth it.
I can probably get a 10W+ 808nm diode on eBay for $50 and make my own collimated pointer for a total of maybe $100.
At 10 Watts.
Proctor, with all due respect, you can talk all you want but eventually I'm just going to stop listening. Where were you planning on getting this 10W+ diode from? I didn't even know such diodes existed, much less sold on eBay for <$50. I think you're talking about a diode array, and they sell for more than $50. Power supply? Heck, that alone would cost you a significant amount and make it beyond a hercules in terms of portability. Then you need good cooling, power for that too, etc. (the optics to collimate one axis of that diode array would alone push you near or past your budget)
I have a >10W 808nm laser, and I feel I have at least a half-decent idea of the scope that goes into making/purchasing/operating it. I'm sorry, but what you are saying is like saying:
"Well, airplanes are made out of aluminum. Why are they so expensive? I could just go to Wal-Mart and get $100 of aluminum foil and add some lawn chairs to it and get a Boeing 747 for <$1k tops" (an interesting project indeed, but I'll let YOU pilot the test flight)
Sorry for the attitude Proctor, but when you say things like that, other people might be tempted to go on eBay, buy used diode arrays, and hope for a 10W pointer. Its completely unrealistic and I'd rather shoot you down to save their money than keep a good attitude towards you and your claim, sorry.