I really respect S&W's overall quality and design. I used to have a slightly more negative view towards them since my first experience with an M&P 9mm (a friends) wasn't stellar... early on they had, I believe, steel slides (they're stainless now) and his had a tiny bit of rust after a few months.
As you might expect, despite early troubles, S&W took care of my friend and replaced his slide, and it seems that the whole line has been improved a lot since it's introduction.
I now own a M&P 9c and it's fantastic. The trigger is not particularly light or smooth but it is very clear where the break is and thus I can adjust to it no problem. That said I might have the trigger swapped with the previously mentioned aftermarket trigger at some point.
I would not call it a "fun" shooter like my CZs or my 1911, for me it's a SHTF gun, similar to what I like about Glock, but with a slicker design, better ergos, and thus is not meant to be anything other than 100% practical. It has never had a hiccup of any find, which is what I need. Although the M&P line does not fit my hand as comfortably as my XD, I think because there is a little bit of widening on the back of the M&P grip, which isn't ideal, but it's far better in my hand than a Glock and that is just personal preference anyway, so YMMV on ergos.
My local shop showed me the 1911 lineup from S&W and it's pretty attractive. I'm currently thinking about a 629 revolver, which I've had my eye on for several years.
So I don't think you'll go wrong with an M&P or one of their metal framed semi-autos. It just depends on your sensibilities and what you enjoy shooting and shoot the best. Maybe to help the discussion you can clarify what you intend to use the gun for. Range fun? Hunting? Concealed carry? A nightstand gun? Do you want a 9mm, a .40, or a 45acp, or something else?