Okay - these are OPINIONS - mine, that is - not to be confused with hard, actual data - as in, you ask me what I would buy, here is what I would say !
For $100-$400 ?
Very tough budget there...In NO PARTICULAR ORDER !!!
(trying to say that I like ALL these guys - hard to choose - honest and true)
Rick Lee's Fusion (Soon to be renamed) rated 125mw - see my review.
Laserglow - get as big as you can afford ! I owned an Aries 175 (WOW-awesome !)
The above two, I have dealt with - the below I know by reputation only or non-laser purchases -
This is by no means a complete list - just the ones off the top of my head (which is rather full right now)
Optotronics - (I bought an Optics kit from them-TOP NOTCH)
Lucent Optics - (sideline test of an Envee for one of their customers)
Nova Lasers - (Soon to review a few of their items, I hope - according to them !)
Destructive Gear - nothing yet
Deal Extreme - (Only bought flashlights from them so far OH - and a rather cool little helicopter {GRIN})
Dragon Lasers - Nothing yet
Wicked Lasers - (Bought protective goggles, and coooool Dragon Cases from them)
Atlas Nova - (sideline test of some of thier components)
My most sincere aplogies if I have inadvertenty left anyone off this list. This is only MY opinions, and my experiences - really !
Okay - so my list most likely will not asist you too much - But look here, read EVERYWHERE - and figure out how much power you want, for what budget (as stated) and for what purpose (Astronomy - get a 5mw !!)