Can you recommend a decent laser pointer for identifying stars and...

[floresflores]

...constellations in the night sky? I would be willing to pay around $100 I guess.

[jondalar469]

What's wrong with this idea? Hm. I know there's something...

[Prince]

5mV is enough for pointing star, most of us use a green laser.

[Michael Steen]

From a thread in another astronomy forum (I'm like Norm from "Cheers" going to another bar), I read that Howie Glatter's lasers are among the most highly recommended. He has a large selection, but his 5mV lasers are supposedly very reliable and as close to the government limit as you can get without going over.
I'm sure you know this BUT . . . be super super careful with a green laser. They can flashblind someone if you accidentally point it at a person, and it's absolutely against the law to point it at a moving vehicle or airplane. Also, never ever let a child touch one. The potential for harm to themselves or to others cannot be understated.

[Carlos_dfc]

I've seen 5mw green laser pointers going very cheaply on e-bay - although I got mine from a reputable dealer.

To be honest, 5mw is enough, you don't need any more.
A 5mw laser sends up a VERY strong beam, ideal for pointing things out to beginners - and I've even used mine to point out things for people with binoculars. If you know the sky, you can guide a binocular user straight onto objects such as the Andromeda galaxy, coathanger cluster etc...
Biggest 'WoW! I ever got from a newb with binocs was when my neighbour was using my 15x70s, and I guided him up from m37, to m36, then on to m38, and ngc1907 beside it - then the 'Smiley Face' asterism.
That one ALWAYS gets a good reaction from non-astros

I'll also repeat the warning to BE CAREFUL
They're a very useful tool for teaching someone the sky - but in the wrong hands are downright dangerous.
Over here in the UK the use of them is even banned at many organised star-parties, to avoid annoying other observers and imagers at the event.

[powerwindows1985]

I bought mine off of ebay. It was a lot cheaper (425) than the $100 ones you see. I think the more expensive ones might work better, mine is kind of hit and miss. It does not work at all when it is cold outside. I might be replacing mine.

I too will warn you to be carefull. I wasn't paying attention and had mine pointed the wrong way, and flashed it right in my face - very unpleasant. Fortunaltely did no damage.