I started with a cig-alike when I first started vaping. Did not satisfy my cravings and I kept smoking. Then I went the drug route, and that lasted maybe 6 months (not vaping at all) before I started smoking again. Recently been dual using, and now have quit smoking completely for over a week now, and am just vaping. I agree with the advice to not buy one of the low wattage cig-alike devices. Get something with some power IMO. If your worried about size, there are many options for smaller mods/tanks, even the ones members have already suggested are good. I haven't had much experience with different brands and mods, but for me, the higher nic content and vapor production of the bigger mods is what helped me. I also use a Smoant s8 pod that uses nic salts ejuice. Nic salts have a higher nicotine content because of the way the juice is made basically, so I can't really chain vape on the Smoant S8. It's just for a quick fix when I feel I need some extra nicotine to stop a nic fit. It's great on the go to because I can just throw it in my pocket. But there are other similar pod devices out there. Maybe get one of the mods or pens people have suggested and then a pod as your "back-up".