Most e-cigarettes are very similar in size, shape and color to a regular tobacco cigarette. There are some variations depending on which manufacturer you decide to purchase from. You can choose from a standard or longer length (similar to kings or 100's) or for cigar smokers there are slightly larger diameter models. So not to leave anyone out e-pipes are available as well.

The most marked and important difference between tobacco cigarettes and electronic cigarettes is the absence of irritating and toxic smoke. There is no tobacco, no burning, no combustion that takes place. So there is no smoke. E-cigarettes contain only a liquid nicotine solution which is inhaled in a water vapor (steam) that feels warm and looks like smoke. The best thing, needless to say, is that it isn't smoke.

Once the nicotine vapor is exhaled, it quickly dissipates leaving you with the same satisfactory sensation you would receive with a tobacco cigarette. Many users refer to this as 'vaping', since vapor is what they're inhaling, And 'vaping' seems to be quickly catching on with the use of the electronic cigarette device spreading widely.

The taste of the nicotine solution is very similar to tobacco. Many users report that it actually tastes cleaner which would make sense given that the harsh chemicals created by burning have been eliminated. Former menthol tobacco smokers will be pleased to learn too that their flavor is also available as are vanilla, chocolate and several fruit flavors. Sounds good to me since I really liked those little cherry flavored cigars. Now I can have the taste without the smoke.

If you've ever smoked a plastic tipped cigar you'll notice little if any difference with the e-cigarette except that 'hoooray!!!!' you'll be smoke free. Another huge plus is that since there is no offensive second hand smoke you can technically 'smoke'/vape anywhere.

Looking at the price of an electronic cigarette starter kit may create some reluctance in current tobacco smokers to switch over. It can range anywhere from 40 to 150 dollars depending on which manufacturer you're dealing with. But let's do a little math. If you are presently a pack a day tobacco smoker and you're spending on the average 4 to 5 dollars per pack then in a month's time you've already spent the cost of the priciest starter kit on the market. And you're still inhaling all those horrible toxins along with the nicotine.

We all know that smoking is a dangerous habit. Many of us may also know someone who suffers from respiratory problems and heart disease as a result of years of smoking. We may have even lost a friend or loved one because of their addiction. I have never, nor will I ever advocate the use of a nicotine product to anyone who does not already have the habit. But being a long-time smoker myself and having tried and not been able to give up the habit I say a smokeless nicotine delivery system is the next best thing. I won't be inhaling carbon monoxide, nitrosamin, polycyclic aromatic hydrocabron or formaldehyde. And more importantly I won't be exposing the people I care about, children or my pets, to smoke filled with toxic substances. So I've just ordered my own starter kit. Maybe you'll see me in the check in line at an airport, happily 'vaping' away.

When you burn tobacco the combustion process releases thousands of toxic substances, sixty of which are known carcinogens. This is what causes respiratory diseases and lung cancer, not the nicotine. Electronic cigarettes produce none of these toxins. No tar, no carbon monoxide, no lingering odor that clings to your clothes, hair and car upholstery and no ashes or yellow stains on your fingers and teeth.

Nicotine is the addictive substance in tobacco smoke. For the long time smoker who wishes to continue smoking but wants to avoid all the other harmful substances electronic cigarettes are definitely a safer alternative. They still deliver the nicotine that we crave without exposing ourselves and everyone around us, including our pets, to caustic and offensive smoke.

The delivery system of some electronic cigarettes uses a nicotine liquid which has been recently reported by the FDA to contain traces of carcinogens, although they do not appear to be in high doses. Before deciding that that's all you need to know to decide against using the e-cigarette, consider that these substances are also found in nicotine patches and gum used for smoking cessation that are approved by the FDA. Funny thing, eh? Traces of carcinogens are also found in many commonly used food items, tooth paste, and many other things, but that doesn't keep them off the shelves.

Of course we all should be concerned about the quality of the foods we consume and the air that we breathe. With the advent of the electronic cigarette we smokers can now do out part to help clear the air. We'll also have the added bonus of not having to give up one of the little pleasures in life and we'll be healthier too.

At present we do not know if electronic cigarettes are totally safe and until further tests have been done we should assume that they are not. However, compared to tobacco smoke which we do know to be extremely dangerous as well as expensive, the electronic cigarette presents itself as the most sensible solution to kicking the health risks associated with a smoking tobacco habit.

Before purchasing your electronic cigarette do a little research. Buy a good quality brand and don't be lured in by cheap prices. You really do get what you pay for. Some manufacturers even offer free trial kits when you pay the shipping and handling. If you want more information go to the e-cigarette smoker's forums. There are several and the users are more than happy to share their experiences and answer your questions.