I've been vaping for 3 yrs. now. When i first started, I got suckered into the $150 kits at the mall kiosk which worked good until the battery went dead. It took longer to charge the battery than actual use time. So, I got a blu because it looked cool and came with a charging pack that made it portable. But, it was even worse. Hardly any vapor and the battery didnt even last 30 minute. Then I found ECF and read reviews and posts and got a eGo/Riva kit and have been using those ever since.
I don't know if this helps you or not but, in my experience i've found that getting a model that can keep up with your style of vaping is a huge plus. The desire to keep smoking analogs is either habit or because your e-cig or e-liquid isnt satisfying your cravings.
I recommend that if you were smoking a pack a day or more, than you should probably use the higher nicotine e-liquid (18mg., etc.)
Also, since your trying to make the switch you might want to start off with an e-liquid that can match your craving for a regular smoke (ie. Dekang Desert Ship, USA Mix,Pal Mal etc).
Another thing is upgrading from cartridges to cartomizers, or if your vaping alot getting clearomizers.
Anyway, just me 2 cents. Hope it helps.