Snowboarding - the snow is here and I still want help!!

The days go on and I look up at the mountains and see the beautiful snow, we even had it on the ground here last week - oh to be up on those mountains with the cool air in my face and to be snowboarding... My skiing days gave me a taste of the mountains, somehow the feel of a snowboard under my feet will be different, I know that.
Has anyone got any tips on how to get right into this snowboarding? I can imagine the feeling of being there on the slopes with some fresh soft powder and need to know what are the best brand boards to buy, do I just use ski boots, any tips, any thoughts, any ideas!!