Someone help a lasernewb out?

[ironkarasu]

Okay, so I saw the S3 Arctic, and immediately thought "that's mind-blowingly awesome"

And now I have enough spare funds to actually get one, with the extra lenses..

So heres what I like:

1. Blue lasers look awesome
2. Powerful enough to be used to cut and burn stuff.
3. Bright, can be used as an emergency lightsource.

And heres what concerns me:

1. Don't point it in the sky cause "It distracts pilots"
2. Don't point it at people because, well, it can cut and burn and blind.
3. The same with 2, only with ANY living thing.
4. Don't point at reflective surfaces.
5. "dont look at the blue light for too long, it can have bad effects" (thats paraphrased from the guide on the site)


So heres what I'm getting at...

Whats the point? It looks cool, sure, the laser looks cool, but apparently if I look at it, I'll turn to a pillar of salt or something. It would seem Pilots look at blue lasers like moths do lightbulbs, I really dont want to burn, cut, or blind my friends and pets...

Is there really a use for this thing? Ive always had a thing for lights and lasers, and technology, so it intrigues me... but... Are the drawbacks worth the high price?


Thanks for any help guys... I'm new, so I kinda need it a lot.

 

[bobhaha]

Let me google that for you

 

[Tech_Junkie]

To be honest its a waste of money.

1. WL sells crap products. You'll find a better deal, and better quality buying from one of our guys.
2. High power pointers get boring real quick because, as you noted, they dont do much, and the novelty wares off quickly.
3. If you enjoy laser light effects then get a lower powered unit and build a spiro, lumia wheel, or projector. There are a few projects in the second link of my sig. There are also many other projects on the forum. You dont need to have mad skillz to build most of them.

 

[Eudaimonium]

Well, as I usually say, it's not that they are THAT dangerous after all.

You may point them at the sky, hell that's what lasers are for. Just don't deliberately aim into any airplanes, that's really bad.
You also won't turn into a pillar of salt if you happen to look into the dot indoors (although a lot of people tend to give off such impression), it's not dangerous to look into the dot if it's at least 2 meters away from you. If it's closer, don't *stare* blankly into it, you'll be fine.

General rule of thumb, treat it like a loaded gun, just with possible usage indoors
Do not point into self, others, where others can be, and in shiny/reflective stuff.

Now, I do have to agree that Wicked may not be the best company choice. Producs aren't that crappy but they are overpriced a little. If it's style alone you're going for and do not mind paying for it, by all means.
Take a look into the review linked in my signature to see what I mean.

If you ever intent to burn stuff with it (not cut, forget that), THEN the laser safety goggles are MUST and you should never attempt such laser tricks without them. Laser dot is very close to your face to see what you're doing and could leave temporary, or even permanently damaged retina spots.

After all that, I'd HIGHLY advise you to start with baby steps.
Try getting a $50 red or green laser, see how you like it, get a general feel of what a "laser" is. Real laser, not $1 keychain lighty thingy.