I don't mean to muddy the waters, but just some thoughts after reading this thread:
First off, I like the eGo-t.
It's a brilliant idea on paper, and for me, so far, it works well.
But when looking at it, I still have to consider the cost ratio of what is still a consumable item.
Any conventionally designed atomizer will fail eventually.
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And again, for the sake of argument, say that you can get, with proper cleaning and a little TLC, 2 months out of an eGo-t atty.
(That may be a conservative estimate, but for now I'll stick with it.)
Even with those being "guesstimates", I'm still 2 weeks ahead of the game.
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Add to that: I prefer the overall taste of a carto over an eGo tank. (Tanks seem, for me at least, to mute flavors.)
The price of an eGo-t atty may drop in price in the future, but by how much?
The cost of an eGo Mega atomizer is still very high compared to the regular 510 in was made to replace. And I can't see either eGo specific attys dropping price-wise much more than they are right now.
So, for me at least, while the tank system is an interesting experiment, it's still just that: an experiment. And unfortunately, one that I can't see it improving to the point of becoming my main means of vaping. No matter what kind of improvements made: whether it's a Pyrex tank, a perfect wicking system to the coil, or whatever fault fixed in the future... it's still a consumable item that is going to wear out. (Again, it's still a conventional atomizer. It just has a different and more complex delivery system.)
At that point I have to weigh the cost of convenience over that of price/performance.
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First off let me say I don't disagree with what you're saying. All valid "guesstimates" as far as I can tell.
Just my thoughts on a few points.
This is a 'new' system, based largely on the 510 tankomizer disasters from last year. Now they were rubbish.
The eGo-T is a huge improvement on the tankomizers. But it does indeed need some tweaking.
After being on the CE2 threads I've come to the conclusion that R&D is done by the people that use them.
Which is understandable as there are so many different variables to consider.
** Human likes and dislikes (hot, warm or cool vape etc),
** Fast short cigarette type drags, long slow straight to the lungs type drags,
** A vast array of PV types used (3.2, 3.7, 4.2, etc),
** A myriad of e-liquids with varying contents and viscosity VG, PG, Flavourart, PA etc) and
** Possibly different weather conditions (freezing temps in the US and heatwave here in Oz),
** Possibly atmospheric pressure (these things work partially off a vacuum air pressure thingy to drag the juice through efficiently, or so I read) and so on.
Then you add the atomizer problem of it burning out at any given time. We are getting 6 months warranty on these here in Oz and I don't know why you aren't getting it in the US as well. I've seen 14 days, 1 month and 3 months. Ask your suppliers why, as the manufacturer advertised 6 month warranty.
Flavour a little muted is another problem put forward a lot. This is easily fixed on your next e-liquid purchase. Buy eGo-T enhanced juice. Whats that you say. Well it doesn't exist - yet per se but the Suppliers should get with the program a little and come up with say, a double or a triple flavour that works well with the eGo-T. There are probably plenty of willing testers around to help out and get the 'right' strength.
Not all systems are created equal. The CE2 (when working optimally) is by far streets ahead in the flavour stakes over regular 'filler' cartos. Some say dripping is the best but I have yet to experience that - all I get is poor results, so I can't compare.
Reading the cartomizer threads it seems the filler cartos are all over the place too as far as performance and longevity is concerned. There are some that go through at least one carto a day!!
I guess what I am trying to say is that with a little tweaking of the care and feeding of the eGo-T by each individual user to optimize performance for their vaping own style AND some real improvements in the wick (isn't it always the wick) and size and composition of the tank (which I really don't have too much of a gripe with), then the eGo-T is a big step in the right direction.
Furthermore, these are the first style of PV I would be willing to give to a complete novice wanting to try changing over to vaping that I have faith in enough not to turn them off vaping completely as it is too hard, messy or inconsistent as with ANY other system available that I am aware of.