Die once or die a thousand deaths. Even though it cost's more up front, I'd go with a traditional split system. Condenser/compressor outdoors with the evaporator (ducted ahu) indoors . Like Good said, it'll cool better over the life of the unit. But I also don't claim to be an expert. Similar to Good, I'm into HVAC controls these days, and it's been almost 20 years since I came out of the mechanical field.
I'm not really up on "brands" for residential. These days, most of them are pretty similar under the hood. Wish I could be more help brother.