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.

The FDA has also expressed concern that the variety of flavors available for use with the electronic cigarettes are being marketed to teenagers who shop in malls. They worry that this is but another ploy to create nicotine addiction in young people. This is a legitimate concern but let's not be too quick to concede to the banning of a product before looking at the benefits it may provide.

Most tobacco smokers are aware that their products contain dozens and dozens of known carcinogenic substances. We might not like to think about it but there are plenty of daily reminders all around us. We might have started because we thought it was cool and continue to smoke now to maintain the high caused by the nicotine that we have become addicted to. Tobacco cigarettes provide that nicotine 'fix' but also expose us and everyone around us to thousands of toxins. Electronic Cigarettes eliminate nearly all of those toxic substances by doing away with having to 'light up'. When there's no fire, there's no smoke.

If we are struggling to give up the smoking habit altogether, electric cigarettes would appear to be a quite viable solution.

Here in the U.S. our society's young people are constantly on the look out for the latest, greatest thing. We adults owe it to them to teach them about the hazards that we are aware of. while electronic cigarettes may be considered 'cool' by some it is every adult's responsibility to explain that it is no more than a mere tool to help us kick the tobacco habit. We're still addicted and may always be but at the very least we now have a mechanism at our disposal that will keep the air they breathe clean.

I seriously doubt that even the heaviest user of any substance likes being dependant on any drug to get them through the day. But when a less harmless alternative becomes available we should have the freedom to choose it over a proven more dangerous product such as tobacco cigarettes. As of yet I have not seen any electronic cigarette advertisement targeting young people. They appear to be marketing for adults who already smoke and are looking for a healthier alternative. The starter kits are also not cheap which makes them less practical and appealing for most teenagers.

Since they still contain nicotine electronic cigarettes should be regulated the same as any addictive substance such as tobacco and alcohol and not be allowed to be sold to underage kids.

Healthwise the only thing you're inhaling is a water/nicotine solution vaporized into a mist. It looks and feels like smoking except that nothing is burning to release the unhealthy tar and carcinogens of a traditional cigarette. There are no dangerous chemical additives long associated with the manufacturing of cigarettes. Your lungs will begin to cleanse themselves of tar. Many e-cigarette users report being able to breathe more deeply after only two weeks of usage.

The cost of tobacco cigarettes is constantly increasing ranging in price from 4 to 8 dollars a pack. While the initial cost to purchase an electronic cigarette kit can range anywhere from 40 to 150 dollars, depending on the brand you choose, the breakdown on cost of a pack is between 2 and 3 dollars. Over a relatively short period of time this can amount to a tremendous savings.

Since the electronic cigarette emits only a quickly dissipating vapor there is no lingering odor, no drifting cloud of smoke to irritate your or your companions' eyes, nose or throat. There is no lasting stench that attaches itself to clothes, hair, curtains, furniture, etc. illiciting complaints from friends and loved ones.

Electronic cigarettes, technically speaking, can be 'smoked' anywhere. The process is actually referred to by many users as 'vaping' since vapor is all it produces and an odorless one at that. To date there is no law on the books banning it in bars, restaurants or malls in the U.S. Since electronic cigarettes are still a relatively new concept you'll most certainly get the odd look, disapproving nod or gasp when you start to 'light up' in a public area so it's probably a good idea to consult with management prior to indulging.

Knowing that you're protecting your family and friends from the harmful effects of second hand smoke by switching to the smokeless electronic cigarette will put your mind at ease whether you're at home, work or out on the town. You'll also set a good example for other smokers who may have tried but are still not able to give up the tobacco habit. While e-cigarettes are not as yet marketed as a smoking cessation tool there is no doubt that used responsibility a former tobacco smoker will notice a change in their overall health. No more morning coughs, the ability to take deep breaths, your sense of smell will improve and food will taste better. The long term benefits make it more than worth the price and you'll still wind up saving money.