NBs are great shoes; if you dont like a pair, try another. They make dozens of shoes, and each one has a special set of characteristics for different runners; some are for big heavy overpronaters, some are meant for neutral, efficient runners, some are meant for lightweight skinny types. For example, I've worn at least 5 pairs of NB shoes in the past few years, and loved all of them save one. I could not stand the 608s. They felt horrible. But that's because they are cross trainers and I want pure running shoes.
If you want the 2001, you might also want to look at the 1041, 991, 765 (the ones I might get next), or the 716.
As for the sizings, they seem to fit like most other shoes. The only exception are my current 805s; I could have gone a half size up. To be safe, I'd say go up a half size.