It's been months since I've been on the forum and I just thought I'd drop a quick line and update my progress for those new to the forum.
I smoked my last analog on July 10th, 2009. I purchased my manual 510, pcc, extra batteries, and liquid from Vapor Station. It's December 21st and a few days ago I had my first battery finally die. I've only purchased product from 4 different suppliers and after all is said and done, I've stuck with two to this day. Vapor Station and Totally Wicked. I tried my hand at DIY and have determined that while it's definitely more cost effective--I've never been able to get the flavor/taste just right and have since stuck with purchasing the ready made stuff. I've never had any equiptment breakdown, I've never smoked another analog, and I've never been more happy of the choice I made to start vaping. My family practioner is happy, my cardiologist is happy, my husband is happy (not to mention my children) and I'm sure our dog is happy as well!
When I found the forum I was terribly worried about the possibility of equiptment failure from atomizers to batteries and--knock on wood--I've been fortunate in that, other than the one manual battery I just haven't had that problem. Sure, a few of the batteries aren't as strong as they once were but as for total failure, I just haven't had that problem.
I'll let ya'll get back to your reading and vaping. Good luck and Merry Christmas to everyone!