For brands, I think you should see what your local LDS or several LDS carry. I would then recommend looking at those brands first. If nothing else, you can at least get service and warranty work done if necessary.
If you are going to be traveling, say to the Keys, also check to see what brands are carried down there. It is usually easier to find an Oceanic dealer while on the road than a Suunto dealer.
Shop around on prices, there are some big swings. Pay a little bit more than what you find on the net to your LDS. If he won't work with you, at least you gave him the opp.
Make a list of what you intend to dive along with where and how. This will help the rest of us make recommendations that will suit your needs in specific and help cut out the emotional " I like, I feel, I think" situations that tend to derail a factual based thread. This will also help you understand why recommendations are made and how they may or may not apply to what you need.
Good luck with your search. If I can be of any assistance, feel free to contact me.
