There isn't much difference between a 'display' laser and a pointer, in that they both produce a beam of light. The technologies used may be different (pointers usually use a solid-state diode), and the output of a laser designed for display is generally quite a lot higher. Consequently, display lasers tend to be much bulkier (the last one I worked with weighed about 60kg), and require very large, heavy power supplies.
In simpler terms, you can light a cigarette by holding it at the output of a display laser; I'm yet to see a hand-held pointer that can do that!