Sounds like 510s and 808s are being talked about as fairly standard units. But how do I know which one to purchase? Seems like there are a lot of different 510s. Is there any difference?
For me a 510 is the better choice, they are better supported with cartomizers, clearomizers, giantomizers, tank systems and battery modifications then any other model of ecig IMO. Basically if you get a standard Joyee 510 (has many other names, penstyle is a generic term for them) or eGo 510 (again has many other brand names, riva is a popular rebrand of this ecig) pretty much everything else you get with the 510 suffix will work with them.
What is the main difference between 2 and 3 piece units? 2 seems possibly easier tp use. Is that so?
A 3 piece unit is basically 1 battery 1 atomiser and 1 polyfibre filled cartridge. They are still really common and most starter kits will come with this set up. However most long term Vapers in my experience will not stick with a 3 piece setup for long, most will ditch the atty and cartridges in favour of a cartomizer which is a atomiser and cartridge filler combined.
A 2 piece is a cartomizer as described above. So 1 battery and 1 cartomizer. Easier to get your head around and more consistent since you are effectively using a fresh atty with every cartomizer you use. They are easy to refill and can be used many times over with an eliquid refill.
I see that the starter kits come with pre-filled cartridges, but it sounds like in the long term it is cheaper to refill yourself, correct? It didn't look too tough in the vid I watched, so I'm guessing its not that big of a deal.
Filling either a polyfibre cart or a cartomizer is easy enough and will almost certainly be much more cost effective then buying pre-filled carts all the time.
How long do typical batteries last, lets say in a 510? I realize that supermicros or micros wont last as long as bigger ones.
A typical short pen style 510 battery will prob not last you longer then 2 hours. It really depends how much you vape though. If you only use it occasionally it may last longer. If your are a heavy smoker/Vaper then it wouldn't be very long. Ego 510 batteries will last you longer and any decent starter kit will always come with 2. If you really want a longer lasting 510 unit consider the riva 510 from liberty flights or a mega Titan 510 from totally wicked. Will easily last you all day and into the next.
How long does it take to charge?
This again depends, if you are only charging when they go completely dead they will take a while, anywhere between 2-4hrs I'd say. A personal charge kit for carrying and charging your batteries on the move is an option on most 510 models Inc the ego. This somewhat eliminates the prob with having no batteries when out and about.
Do batteries every die out? How long does that take?
Batteries in ecigs are disposable items. Milage varies dependant on use and care taken, but they should be lasting you 3months or so at least before you need to consider replacements.
How long will a cartridge last before I need to refill it, and do they go bad and need to be replaced?
Depends again on how much you smoke and how you smoke it. Heavy deep and often drags will see a standard polyfibre cart last equivalent to 5 cigarettes (roughly) cartomizers will last a little more 7 cigs worth perhaps? There lots of options though, tanks, XL versions of carts and cartomizers and many other options, some could last you days before needing a refill!
What about atomizers? Do they need to be replaced ever?
Atomisers are again considered disposable, but they are pretty hardy, especially 510 models in my experience. I've never actually broke one thorough vaping, only by cleaning! When you switch out to cartomizers/tanks/clearomizers etc this concern becomes less important since every replacement you put on has effectively got it's own atomiser. I wouldn't worry about this too much unless you only ever plan on sticking with polyfibre cartridges.
