$3K Laser Burns Through Cardboard, Plastic

Here's a pricey little stocking stuffer that's definitely not for the kids: a $3,000 laser capable of boring a hole through a thick piece of plastic.

The bloggers at Engadget spotted this one: the Hercules 400, a jet-black, flashlight-shaped gizmo that emits a 400mW beam of green light. According to the specs, the laser is visible from miles away; up close, it'll pop balloons, cut electrical tape, light matches, and cut through cardboard and "thick" plastic. At $3,000, the Hercules 400 is an expensive little gift, although you can always opt for the bargain-priced 200 model, which goes for a mere $989 (it'll still pop balloons, but no burning through cardboard). Three "D" batteries not included.

Oh, and before you click the "Buy Now" button, here's a quick pop quiz: what do the Hercules 400 and a Red Ryder BB gun have in common? They can both shoot your eye out. You've been warned.

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Hercules 400 laser makes you a man for a mere $3,000 [Engadget]