Looking for a scanner just for fun

Hey guys,
I do a bit of programming and I really want to buy a laser scanner. I'm a noob to show lasers but have owned high powered laser pointers in the past so I'm aware of safety precautions.

How do you get started? What kind of software can you run and how do you drive a scanner off of a PC?

I'd like to get something for under $1000. I would love to learn how to do animations and neat effects.

Any places I should start looking?

Thanks!