Class 1 laser options?

All,
I noticed a new kick starter campaign for a "commercial laser cutter gears towards the every-man. Reading the specs they are using a class 1 blue-ray type laser for the lower of the two options they offer and claim it can cut up to 1/4 inch plywood.
I was wondering if there have been any significant developments that would cause "us" to take a second look at other laser types beyond C02 tubes?
Check out the "Glowforge" to see what I am talking about. https://glowforge.com/
Seems to me that there may be less expensive options that do away with the tube, optics, and the alignment issues. It would also allow to build without concern for beam degradation thus unlimited build area should you want to design a wider longer box.
I noticed a new kick starter campaign for a "commercial laser cutter gears towards the every-man. Reading the specs they are using a class 1 blue-ray type laser for the lower of the two options they offer and claim it can cut up to 1/4 inch plywood.
I was wondering if there have been any significant developments that would cause "us" to take a second look at other laser types beyond C02 tubes?
Check out the "Glowforge" to see what I am talking about. https://glowforge.com/
Seems to me that there may be less expensive options that do away with the tube, optics, and the alignment issues. It would also allow to build without concern for beam degradation thus unlimited build area should you want to design a wider longer box.