The Ashes

If you’ve been underwhelmed by your red laser pointer lately, and your green laser pointer’s losing steam, too, then we suggest you think about checking out the new blue-violet laser pointers that are proliferating on the “nearly worth spending that much money on” shelves of the Internet. The blue-violet laser shoots out a beam in the 405 nanometer wavelength, which is an unusual number for a handheld pointer. This is the wavelength utilized by Blu-Ray DVD players – since it’s a shorter wavelength than red, more data can be crammed onto a DVD that’s read by a blue laser than a red laser. They’ve got one of these magic light sticks over at Thinkgeek, and it costs just about $170. Here’s the official specs list:

• 405nm wavelength
• Output power of <5mW
• Takes two CR2, 3V batteries (not included)
• Class IIIa laser product
• Dimensions: 5.9″ x .625″
• 6 months warranty

It’s pretty much up to you to fathom what kind of gnarly fun you’ll get yourself into with one of these things. Thinkgeek suggests you use it to write in photoluminescent material; we think just kind of amusing ourselves with it in the dark is pleasure enough.