You'll see ads for a new device with a ceramic heating element or a magnetic connection. You'll read a review that raves about the flavor at 3.4V. The itch will be real. Here's how to scratch it without spending money:

First, ask yourself: what's wrong with what I have? If it heats your cartridge and you get a satisfying draw, the answer is probably "nothing."

Second, do the math. A new device costs $30–$60. That's how many cartridges? Three or four? For a seasonal user, that's a season's supply. Your money is better spent on quality cartridges than on a marginal hardware upgrade.

Finally, remember the boring default rule: the best device is the one you don't have to think about. If your button-fired compact is still working, you're already there. Don't fix what isn't broken.