Could someone please help me by explaining the difference in all this e cig stuff. I am a heavy smoker...I want to quit, but we all know how hard that is.
Is your mind made up? Has the switch clicked in your brain? If yes, you are not only in the right place but you will find it can be extremely easy.
I was given an e-cigarette that was puchased at a gas station. I cannot smoke the thing because, believe it or not, it makes me cough really bad. I honestly think I could become a non-smoker if I could just find the right e-cig or vapor or whatever. I need to know the differences in these things. It's hard for me to read the posts and figure anything out because of all the e-cig lingo that is on just about every post. I don't know what they mean and it would take alot of reading and research just to figure it out. Believe me, I have tried. What I want is the least harmful thing that is available.
From that sense of urgency, the switch may have actually clicked in your brain! Cool!
Don't be frustrated. You have come to the right place and there are experienced people that will gladly help you find exactly what you want in order to make this as easy as possible. Use the urgency in a positive way.
Gas station e-cig: Well without knowing exactly what model etc., it is hard to judge. Suffice it to say, they are usually not sufficient for a heavy smoker. I was one just 11-12 days ago. That part of my life is now over thanks to the kind people here.
If the e-cig looks like a cigarette, you probably are drawing on it like crazy and it soon overheats and creates that disgusting taste in your mouth. Depending on the model and the amount of nicotine it may also give a real big throat hit (as a heavy smoker i am pretty sure you know what throat hit is) All this combined can make you cough. So far, so good?
I have been reading and according to my research every e-cig is made in china. I don't know what to think about that because the e-cig that I already have is made in china and as stated...I cannot smoke it.
There are some US made PVs (personal vaporizers) or electronic cigarettes. Not to worry! That aspect is covered as well ! While I am not a fan of the recent MADE IN CHINA craze, I am pretty certain that it is not the main problem right now. You just probably have a e-cig that is made more to look like a cigarette than act like one, you don't know the nicotine level, you don't know when that nicotine was filled and we don't know the quality, taste etc.
What is vaping? Is vaping different than smokiing an e-cigarette? Is it the same thing? Please... someone tell me something.
Answered in order asked......
Vaping is the act of using, puffing etc, your PV (personal vaporizer) or e-cig. They are not different. Yes they are the same. I am trying and I'm sure others are as well.
I am 46 years old and been smoking a very long time. I only want what is the least harmful thing to do...will still give me the same feel as if I'm "smoking" as in being able to hold it like a cigarette...and I would like to see smoke and or vapor...and to feel at least some of it in my throat.
Yes, understood. This is exactly why I'm here; for the same exact reasons.
Are you certain it has to look and feel like a cigarette? Each person is different. What if it looks a bit larger than a cigarette but feels a lot more like the act of smoking? Is that cool? Heavy smokers and small batteries usually don't make a good match. One will run out before you can charge the other. There is something called a passthrough that enables you to use power from your computer's USB port or car lighter. Something to consider if you smoke where you can be plugged in, then you can easily use the cigarette size PV (personal vaporizer) or electronic cigarette.
I also live in a very rural area and do not have the means to go and look at the different types of things offered. When I say rural...I mean RURAL. I gave up trying to figure all this out some time ago and figured I'd give it one more shot. It should be easier than this. I really hope to get an answer and I really hope it's not one of those that contain the typical e cig site lingo...because I will not be able to understand it.
Ok so what if you live in a rural area? The USPS is your friend ;-) Yes it should be easier than this. I too was very frustrated, especially with the model numbers. All you want is to take a big, long relaxing drag and who cares if it is an kr8 an 801, 901 or whatever. It is just a matter of priorities in this case. That too is clearly understood. Down the road it may be good to learn some of those numbers so you can improve your experience. Knowing the models is really the only way to compare and contrast experiences but again, that will come later.
I wish there was an E-Cig For Dummies book. I'd buy it. At least it would take me step by step. Anyway...if you can help...thanks!
I am trying to write one right now

Just kidding. If this helps you out, it will be reward enough.
So, as a heavy smoker, please consider a model with a larger battery and a passthrough.
I have no way of knowing what the budget is etc. but you want to make sure you have juice and parts so that you don't run out. I would get the 36mg juice (juice is the nicotine containing liquid) since you are a heavy smoker for that extra kick and also a bit of pure PG and VG. This is how they are listed on many sites. Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin is what they stand for. This way you can dilute the 36 mg juice to lower levels with the PG, the VG or both. PG more throat hit and VG more vapor. Most mix them. Up to you. This is a personal preference.
Buying pre-filled cartridges is probably the easiest way to go right now. Better to buy higher nicotine and puff/draw more lightly than to not feel it at all. Buy enough to last for a while but also get juice anyway! Then while you are puffing away happily you can watch videos on how to refill those cartridges much like an ink jet printer.

Then you will also have the luxury of time to see how to do that correctly and avoid certain pitfalls which could ruin your battery etc.
Generally speaking it is a simple concept. A battery, an atomizer (atty as they are called) and a cartridge or cart. Some models are 2 piece. The atomizer and cart are combined into 1 piece (cartomizer or carto). Overall, if they are pre-filled just puff away. The easiest approach for now!
I will leave it to the more experienced to recommend an exact model etc.
If this is of such an urgent nature there are some suppliers that offer overnight delivery. myfreedomsmokes is one such supplier. They also have a phone which they answer. I am not affiliated with them. I called, spoke, ordered and overnight I had the stuff! Others do the same I am sure.
I am certain you have made your choice during the time it took me to write this

Ironic huh? Oh well. You came, you asked, I tried.
All the best!