Lacedaemonian -
Heh, the trouble with sf/f is that it's such a diverse genre - it really depends what you are seeking.
You've tried Dune and didn't like it - so I'd probably suggest the complete other end of the character spectrum and recommend "2001: A Space Odyssey" by Arthur C Clarke, simply for the ideas.
However, if sf just doesn't ting your bell, and thoughts of fur skin and blades makes you feel more alive, then perhaps it really is worth keeping away from the spacecraft until such point as a decent cross-over presents itself.
