I am still using a couple of generic (pen) atomizers I bought almost 2 months ago. I have only had 2 batteries…go bad. By bad, I mean that they have failed (1-constant on, 2-vacuum switch failure), and not just “wear-out”. I suspect I am not getting the same “usable” time from the batts, but I rotate them throughout the day, and 4 keep me going quite well (charging at work and at home as-I-go). I know they will eventually wear out, but I haven’t seen anything that leads me to believe that I will need 4 new batteries a month, or a new atomizer every month.

[Side note: I HAVE had 2 atomizers drop below acceptable performance. One was an Njoy (which they replaced at no cost), and the other is a Janty, which I haven't yet talked to them about, but i suspect it too will be replaced under the gurarantee]

I think if well cared for, the failure rates are way lower than it may appear by the posts in the forum and the performance can be kept acceptable (via cleanings, etc). It is a learning process.

Lastly, don’t forget to factor the benefits of better health into the cost equations. Even if it comes out even in dollars, being healthier (to me) is a huge gain.