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.

If you're satisfied with the particular model that you have purchased then it's a good idea to buy extra batteries. New batteries should be charged for a full 12 hours even if the charger indicates that it is done charging. Re-charging should last about four hours. A car charger will allow you to 'vape' while driving and save your batteries. Another convenient item is a USB passthrough that will allow you to indulge at your computer.

Most manufacturers recommend starting with a low dose nicotine cartridge. These can be purchased pre-filled or your may buy e-liquid separately and fill the cartridge yourself. Starting with the low dose will ensure that you don't get more nicotine then you're accustomed to. After some experimenting with your e-cigarette you may want to try using a stronger dose. The doses available are high, medium, low and none for those working at kicking the habit. You many even like to try one of the variety of flavors such as menthol, vanilla, chocolate etc.

When inhaling the vaporized nicotine you should take long, slow draws. This will give you the most vapor volume which for most 'use to be' tobacco smokers is the most satisfying. Avoid short, hard puffs since these tend to flood the atomizer. This causes reduced vapor volume and may even allow liquid to enter your mouth.

If you have purchased a three part e-cartridge, the atomizer being a separate component, it is important to clean the atomizer regularly and thuroughly. After flushing it should be left to dry for 24 hours before next use.

If your device is of the two part variety you will be using a fresh atomizer each time you change cartridges since these two components are combined.

You should dispose or clean the cartridge when they become dark brown. Kept in good condition cartridges can deliver from 100 to 400 'drags'.

Some things to remember NOT to do with your e-cigarette include:

* Never use the cartridge when it is dry. This will destroy the atomizer.
* If you refill your own cartridges fill it just before a puddle of liquid forms on the top. Over filling can result in getting liquid in your mouth when inhaling the first couple of 'drags'.
* Do not leave e-cigarette batteries or cartridges in places below freezing or aboe 120F. This can harm them.
* If atomizer becomes hot while use discontinue until atomizer cools or it may be destroyed.
* Do not continue to use a battery if it becomes hot.

These tips will help to maintain your electronic cigarette and keep it working like new.