First time I heard about eCigs was Brian Williams on NBC evening news reporting the FDA findings that they were apparently just as bad as the "real thing". But he (they?) also showed a short clip of a woman actually using one who claimed that she loved it.
Having tried to quit the "real things" on several occasions, and not having a great deal of faith in FDA opinions, I started googling, found several ecig articles and forums, and decided I had to give'em a try.
At this point I don't really recall what particular feature or detail swung my decision, but I finally ordered an EVO (402) starter kit from InnoVapor. It arrived 3 days later (October 1 2009). I woke up that morning a 2 pk/day smoker and went to bed that evening a 1 pk/week smoker and 3-4 ml/day vaper.
I discovered I couldn't keep just 2 batteries charged so 3 days later I ordered a 2nd starter kit plus more juice, and wall and car adapters.
Seven weeks into it, I have managed to track down stronger juice (from myFreedomSmokes) and cut my analogs further to only 3 or 4 per week. I may or may not ever be completely free of tobacco (nor nicotine) but when a pack of cigarettes lasts 5-6 weeks (vs my previous 5 days/carton), I'm not going to sweat it.