Ethereum is also a very interesting alternative right now. You may even consider splitting 50/50 your buys, so you invest in both technologies.
50/50 is a little risky I think but that also means possible gain. I think when buying majority go into BTC if holding long term, and that is my own personal feeling. I do agree ether looks interesting right now.
I am playing with it a little. Long term... hard to say but it has a lot of supporters at this point.