I have an N1 after trying a PC88 and QS8 (tho not the new QS8.1) and love it. To me, the piano and other sounds are better on the N1, and the keyboard action is great for both piano and other sounds, since the response is quick, unlike the QS8 action, which to me seems clunky. There are plenty of (mostly good) sounds on the N1 (about 1600), and a good interface for programming, tho the N1 is not expandable as is the QS8.

You might want to check out Peavy. I noticed TV bands like The Tonight Show use one. The guy also plays for Sting and I've seen him use it in the studio too.