I don't think there is a really great lathe out there for $1,000. I think the jet VS mini is the best lathe bargain available for under $1,000. But if you want a small step up there is always the Vicmarc VL100:
http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/cgi-bin/shopper?preadd=action&key=191-6500
The Vicmarc is a very nice small lathe (I have used one a couple of times), but given the price I am not all that sure that it is worth twice the price of the Jet VS Mini.
I would try to hold off until you can afford one of the Jet 1642 models preferably with the 2 horse motor (1.5 hp $1700, 2 hp $2000). I have used both of these and they are very nice lathes, very quiet, very powerful, and well built.
I think you will find something with electronic variable speed to be much superior to those with mechanical variable speed (such as the Grizzlies, the 1442 Jet, or the Delta Ironbed). The mechanical variable speed are extremely noisy compared to the electronic variable speed. I have the Delta Ironbed Mechanical Variable speed and it work fine but is extremely noisy compared to my Jet VS Mini. And while this seems trivial, it is really nice to be able to listen to the stereo while turning, or to be able to mentor people without having to turn off the lathe to be heard.
Drew