You can try contacting CNI directy. They're the supplier for sites like Laserglow and Dragonlasers. Laserglow seems to get more specialized products for their high-end lab grade offerings but their high-end consumer pointers are basically stock CNI lasers with better quality control standards for what they import - the import and QC explains the high markup. I'm not sure where their 5mW greenies are coming from.
Directly ordering from CNI usually gets you a laser with high peak power but not so great stability. I think they recognize that the hobbyists that order from them tend to get excited about peak power more than anything else. However, if you request something more stable, they are willing to oblige. Since the LPF group buys ended some years ago, I don't know how CNI's relationship is with the forum members or whether they accept single orders, but it's worth asking. Direct from CNI prices were pretty good when the group buys were running. I got a 750mW 532 for 3 or 4 hundred bucks (if I recall correctly), which was a big deal back in those days. The "5mW" 589nm I ordered from them averaged 6 or 7mW with a peak around 13, I think. I don't remember what I paid but it was cheap compared to Laserglow. CNI was also willing to export laser pointers that exceed 5mW - Laserglow's pointers top out at 5mW.
Part of the reason the group buys got us such good deals was because the import and shipping costs were shared among many and there were often quantity discounts for products that were ordered in multiples.
If you can find others to go in with you on a couple or a few items, that may help bring the overall cost down further.
Speaking of... Dragonlasers is another place to check out. They're another retailer of CNI but are based in Asia.
That said, for 589, a used one will get you the best deal. Sorry I don't have one to offer but I hope this info is helpful. 589nm is a nice color. Good luck in your search.
