I'm 2+ years smoke-free. I did it by vaping. I put the smokes down and that was that. Yo have to be READY to quit, though.
You don't need fancy gear; a simple
Ego-T kit (1100 mah) and a decent juice is all you need. Personally, I like
Mount Baker juices; as a beginner I'd recommend a 50/50 mix and 18mg nicotine.
I liked it so much I started my own vape shop. I started back to college last semester so I sold the business at a tidy little profit. So trust me when I say you don't need great gear...you just need something to get you off the cigarettes. I still use my standard Ego-T and Ce4 tanks. I didn't replace an expensive habit with an expensive hobby.
EDIT: I breathe better, feel better, and look better. I sleep better. I don't smell like an ashtray. My doctor told me to keep doing what I'm doing...there doesn't seem to be any ill effects after 2 years of vaping and my lungs are as pink as they were the day I was born. You can listen to the naysayers or try it and see if it works for you. Vaping may not be risk-free but it's a damn sight better than those nasty cigarettes.