I have some questions about NOVAlasers' "Alpha" series, as well as similar models, such as LucentOptics' "Envee" series and CNI's "PGL-III-A" model. (I'm hoping to get one within a year or so, but it's pretty unlikely since these things are rather costly - to a college student, that is.)
1. Since the "Alpha" lasers have a small (<1 mm) beam diameter compared to that of most other lasers, this implies that they have a higher intensity (output power divided by the area of the beam's cross section). Does this mean that the "Alpha" lasers burn better and have brighter beams than lasers of the same power?
2. NOVAlasers' website claims that the "Alpha" lasers have a <1 mm beam diameter while LucentOptics' website claims that the "Envee" series have a <0.8 mm beam diameter. Since these two models are the same, they should have the same specs. I was told that this was because NOVAlasers was more honest, but is there any other reason why the listed specs are different?
3. Some people have reported that the "Alpha" lasers have a beam diameter of around 1.2 mm. However, NOVAlasers' website claims that the beam diameter is less than 1 mm, and NOVAlasers' products are almost always within spec. Is there any explanation for this?
4. Since the "Alpha 125" is the most powerful laser of its series, any laser over 125 mW would likely be sold as an "Alpha 125." Since the "Alpha" series uses a 500 mW pump diode like the "X" series, does this mean that an "Alpha 125" could have an extremely high output, similar to that of an "X-175" laser? Has anyone ever gotten an "Alpha 125" with an insanely high output?
5. The LED indicator is placed in a rather awkward spot, instead of being in front of the button (like the "RPL" series). What do you guys personally think of this? Do you find it awkward, or are you fine with it?
1. Since the "Alpha" lasers have a small (<1 mm) beam diameter compared to that of most other lasers, this implies that they have a higher intensity (output power divided by the area of the beam's cross section). Does this mean that the "Alpha" lasers burn better and have brighter beams than lasers of the same power?
2. NOVAlasers' website claims that the "Alpha" lasers have a <1 mm beam diameter while LucentOptics' website claims that the "Envee" series have a <0.8 mm beam diameter. Since these two models are the same, they should have the same specs. I was told that this was because NOVAlasers was more honest, but is there any other reason why the listed specs are different?
3. Some people have reported that the "Alpha" lasers have a beam diameter of around 1.2 mm. However, NOVAlasers' website claims that the beam diameter is less than 1 mm, and NOVAlasers' products are almost always within spec. Is there any explanation for this?
4. Since the "Alpha 125" is the most powerful laser of its series, any laser over 125 mW would likely be sold as an "Alpha 125." Since the "Alpha" series uses a 500 mW pump diode like the "X" series, does this mean that an "Alpha 125" could have an extremely high output, similar to that of an "X-175" laser? Has anyone ever gotten an "Alpha 125" with an insanely high output?
5. The LED indicator is placed in a rather awkward spot, instead of being in front of the button (like the "RPL" series). What do you guys personally think of this? Do you find it awkward, or are you fine with it?
