I tend to get wordy so my apoloigies are offered now. I am also very new to this so I am NOT an expert. I only offer the below to assure you that the group here were and are a wonderful resource for me.
If anyone feels the need to correct me - please do - I freely admit that I am a neophyte too.
I too tried my first ecig at a kiosk then at a smoke shop. My sample puffs were unimpressive and the staff at these seemed as ignorant as I was.
That tweaked my interest. I Googled and got here, thank goodness. I lurked and studied for almost 3 weeks.
The people here will not steer you wrong. If you lay out your wants and expectations they will push you toward the right equipment and suppliers.
I am (was) a heavy smoker. 1-2 packs a day for 25+ years. My first research got me directed me to the 901 and 510. (I was cautioned that I would want a larger unit like a Prodigy or Screwdriver soon though.)
I decided on a 510 starter kit basically by flipping a coin and it was a few bucks cheaper.
I decided to try it for 2 reasons: Not all of these people could be crazy and it was neat. I never intended to try and quit my beloved analogs. I finally recieved my setup and started vaping! I loved it.
Yeah its bigger than a cigarette. Yes its heavier. It can be messy at first. Yes I am always charging batteries. Yes it takes some getting used to. Yes I still have had 1-2 analogs a day. But, I am happier with this thing than my beloved, comforting pack of analogs.
So far, I have spent less than the smoke shop/kiosk model/kits and have 3batteries (manual), 2 atomizers, 5 empty carts, wall pack and usb charger. I started with 9 ml of liquid and it lasted until this afternoon.
Now my noob 2 cents:
Read, ask questions and watch the videos.
Know an e-cig before you get it. It will make you more confortable when you start.
Whatever you choose, buy more fluid than you think you need. If it isn't for you, you can always sell it and not have a total loss. Having an extra battery, atomizer and a few carts handy is nice too. I say this because I am now hooked on vaping and waiting for my shipment of fluid, as I have run out.
Manual battery(one with a button). I am glad users convinced me to go this way. I do have an auto and cant get it to work in a way that I expect.
My main suppliers were Innovapor and litecigUSA and they both did right by me. I love Innovpors Rich ECO-pure liquid. Lightcig answered my email questions within a half-hour, and managed to get my order to me in under 48 hours.
Best wishes!