Since some will wonder, an e-cigarette is "an electrical device that attempts to simulate the act of tobacco smoking by producing an inhaled mist bearing the physical sensation, appearance, and often the flavor and nicotine content of inhaled tobacco smoke." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_cigarette
So, it's a physical object that makes you feel like you're smoking a real cigarette. I was picturing some kind of software. :)
One of my colleagues recently bought one of these and has been puffing away at his desk and in meetings. He paid $200 for his but I've seen them for about $10 on Dealextreme. The article talks about a $45 referral fee so I guess the markup is quite high.
Interesting side note is that his "cigarette" is USB rechargeable.
I recently ran into these, they were being sold at a Japanese photo shop out of all places. Reading more about it online later I found that you insert pouches apparently containing nicotine and the USB-powered device then vaporizes it.
So, it's a physical object that makes you feel like you're smoking a real cigarette. I was picturing some kind of software. :)