Laser Pointers

How to capture and direct your audience's attention with a presentation laser pointer
By Lesley Graybeal Laser pointers can serve a number of uses when giving presentations for a large group of people. Laser pointers for presentations can direct a group's attention to a particular piece of information and ensure that your message gets across.
 

Laser pointers come with a variety of different ranges and light strengths, as well as with a number of options for the beam projected by the laser.  When shopping for a laser pointer, consider the following:

1. Pick a color for your laser or get a laser pointer with both red and green laser options.
2. Decide how far you want your laser to project and how strong you want the light to be.
3. Shop for interchangeable laser heads to project circles, arrows, and other symbols.
4. Look for multi-functional laser pointer pens or engraveable pointers for a great gift to a teacher or businessperson.

Make colorful choices with laser pointers

Laser pointers are available in both red, the most common laser color, and green, a subtler, more viewer friendly choice.
Try: Green laser pointers are a good option for a friendlier or calmer look when pointing out certain aspects of your presentation. Laser pointers work best for presentations if they have either red or green laser beams.  Laser pointers with both colors in one are a functional choice for dynamic use.  Newer color options even include a blue laser pointer, though the blue laser is much more expensive than the more typical green and red.

Shop for high power in a presentation laser pointer

High powered laser pointers can cover a greater distance and offer a stronger beam. Typical laser pointers have lasers that shine at between one and five mw, but the highest power lasers can shine at 40 or 120 mw.
Try: If you're using laser pointers for presentations, the beam needs to be able to cover distance reliably.  Shop high power laser pointers to ensure the strongest beam and the longest range. High power lasers are more expensive, but green laser pointers generally have a longer range than red.  Buy the highest power laser pointers if you need a laser beam to reach up to five miles.

Find interchangeable options and keychain laser pointers

Not all laser pointers project the same picture. In fact, many pointers have multiple options for what picture they'll project, beyond just the standard point.
Try: Some laser pointers come with as many as 20 to 50 extra heads or tips to change out and produce different images, like arrows, circles, thumbs-up, and other symbols. If you're concerned about losing the tips, a good option could be a keychain laser pointer with rotating heads.  You can even order keychain laser pointers with interchangeable heads with your business logo printed on them.

Laser pointers make great gifts

Laser pointers for presentations come in a wide range of quality. For a teacher or businessperson, receiving a nice laser pointer is a memorable and useful gift.
Try: If you're giving a presentation laser pointer as a gift, look for places where you can get your high quality laser pointers engraved when you order.  A high quality boxed laser pointer often doubles as a nice looking pen.

• Learn about laser safety before you buy a laser pointer. Consider keeping your laser pointer in a case or other secure location to keep it out of the hands of children, especially if you buy a laser pointer with a powerful beam.
• Check out the power source of any laser pointer you buy, especially if you buy an expensive or high power laser pointer for presentations. See if you can also get back up batteries to increase the life of your laser pointer.