Quality laser pointer in a thin pen sized case (needs to be very thin <10mm)???

[zimm]

Being military, I find myself needing to do lots of powerpoint presentations from large LCD TV's or projector screens. I need a pointer that will fit in my uniform pen loops, which means it needs to be very thin. A standard 13mm diameter laser won't fit. Needs to be about the size of a Cross pen... any ideas?

Different topic- some lasers don't show on a TV screen, yet I've read that others do. What's the difference to get a laser to show on a TV screen?

I really don't want a junky $3 thing that breaks and has a dim red beam.

[jamie.91]

Check out laserpointerforums, there's a wealth of knowledge on there sure to help you out

Jamie

[bshanahan14rulz]

most lasers are 13mm because the brass modules used in them are often 12mm diameter.

Chances are, thinner pens will not be green lasers, but they do exist.

As far as showing on a TV, I'd suggest against it for the following reasons:
CRTs are shiny glass, and may reflect a significant portion of the beam into yours or someone else's eye.
LCDs are easily damaged by higher powered lasers.

Projector screens, though, are great, and a green laser will be the most eye-catching pointer for that purpose.

If you can find a nice, low-power green in ~10mm format, it will probably show better than a red on a CRT screen.