Personally, I have a POD XT live (runs sweet on my Mac by the way) and like it very much so I'm thinking in getting a Crate powerblock and a custom cabinet, just power to amplify my proceced sound, but if you are into the tone of the amp itself... well, that's like seeking for the holy grail...
My suggestion would be to get info and get down to your local guitar shop and test drive a couple on your budget, and pick the one that suit you, cause bottom line, the only person who can tell you wich amp is right for you... it's you.
Rock on bro.
Power corrupts. Absolute power is kinda neat.