> I've recently got a couple of cheap laser pointers.
>
> And I was wondering if there is a way to measure distance with them?

Yes, but there's a "little" work involved

This commercial site has some good background info on
preferred methods for different ranges. For example time-
of-flight for long distances, phase or frequency shifting for
short distances. You can get to the datasheets for their
sensors too

http://www.acuityresearch.com/products/lasers-explained.shtml

and

http://www.laser-components.com/Products/pdf/rangefinder1.pdf

etc through Google

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