Congrats on the switch to vaping, and welcome to ECF!
Similar to your experience, I bought a 901t kit when I started vaping and while it was woefully inadequate after a few weeks, it did get me over the hump of quitting cigarettes. For that alone, I feel it was worth the high price I paid to be introduced to vaping, so I consider it an initiation fee.
This is the "kit" I've been recommending to new vapers lately, and I can't say enough about the customer service that Eric at Discount Vapers provides. He has a subforum here at ECF, and he's very good about resolving any issues you might have, as well as being friendly and open to suggestions for new products to carry.
eGo-C Twist Batteries:
eGo Twist
I recommend getting 2 for each of you, and an extra for backup in case one fails. These are not the genuine Joyetech batteries, but I've not heard of any issues with them so far, and they're at a good price point. As a general rule, you can count on about an hour of vape time for each 100mAh of available power with moderate use, and a bit less than that if you dial in higher voltages.
Kanger T2 Clearomizers:
Kanger T2 Clearomizers
These are very easy to fill, produce good vapor and flavor, and have inexpensive replacement heads (listed on the same page). If you get the eGo Twist batteries, get the SR (2.4-2.6 ohm) version so you can take advantage of the VV that the twist offers. I also agree with the ViVi Nova as an excellent clearomizer, and they are available at Discount Vapers as well. I just find that the Kanger T2 has a "cleaner" taste, so that's why I recommend them so highly.
eGo USB Rapid Charger:
eGo/510 USB Rapid Charger - 420mAh
Get at least 2, one for each of you.
USB Wall Socket Adapter:
USB Wall Socket Charger - 500mah
Again, get 2, one for each charger.
As for e-juice, I generally recommend ECBlend (
ECBlend E-Liquids - Something Better). There are better gourmet juice makers available, but for consistently good juice at good prices, they have been my go-to vendor for months now.
Hope this helps!