Mortimer452

I started out with V2 cigs as well several years ago and gave them up. The batteries were horrible (as with most cig-a-likes). They don't last long and go bad (stop taking a charge) after a few weeks of use.

The difference between the older "e-cig" style devices you see at gas stations and the stuff that's available now is night and day. The options available for batteries, tanks and juice is phenomenal.

All this stuff sounds a bit daunting at first. Batteries, atomizers, cartomizers, clearomizers, juices, tanks . . . it is a lot to take in. Having a local vaping shop for some hands-on advice helps alot. They are popping up everywhere - check around online, I'm sure you've got one nearby. Most smoke shops are now starting to sell e-cigs as well. Also, check out the sticky in the newbie section for some terminology and definitions.

I'll try to clear up the terminology a bit for you:

E-Cig
The first "vaping" devices that came out 7 or 8 years ago. Roughly the same size and shape as a regular cigarette. Disposable cartridges containing flavored nicotine juice screw on the back, they are activated with a little button (manual) or by simply taking a "drag" on the device (automatic).
Pro's:
Small size resembles a regular cigarette
Pretty cheap to get started with
Easier to operate - cartridges are disposable, when used, you just throw them away and screw on a new one

Con's
Over time, buying cartridges and replacement batteries will eat up your $$
Very limited flavor selection
Batteries don't last long, and go bad fairly quickly (last a couple months at best)
Crappy vapor production and generally crappy flavor
You will hate it

E-Liquid
By this I assume you are referring to a vaping device where you have to refill it with juice when you run out, rather than just unscrew the little cartridge and replace it. There are hundreds of models and variations to choose from, but they all basically involve:
1. a battery
2. a tank
3. your favorite flavored e-juice or e-liquid (same thing, different names)

The battery provides power, the tank contains your juice and vaporizes it for inhalation.

Pro's:
Almost limitless customization
Almost limitless flavor availability (seriously, EVERY FLAVOR YOU CAN IMAGINE. If you want to vape chocolate cheesy pina colada with a hint of cow manure, I'm sure someone has a juice for it)
Very good parts compatibility (for the most part, your batteries and tanks are almost always completely interchangeable with each other)
Excellent vapor production and flavor compared to the older "cig-a-likes"
Long term, cheaper to use and best of all - you will actually use it!

Con's:
The devices are larger - from cigar-sized to looking like the handle of a light saber
You *can* spend a fortune - but you don't have to
Maintenance - when the tank runs dry, you have to refill it. Eventually your tank's coils will burn out, and you have to replace them. These are not difficult things to do, but they are a little more involved than just replacing the screw-on cartridges

Anyway, hope this helps and welcome to the forum!