Have you tried Randolph Lalonde's Spinward Fringe series? There are several forms of AI and interesting ships in this series.
You can get the first books for free here (and probably on Smashwords):
http://www.amazon.com/Origins-Spinwa.../dp/B004EPYUXA
I don't remember how much the AI came into play in Broadcast 0, but this would give you a cheap way to find out if you even like his style. I haven't read Alastair Reynolds, but based on what you said above this would fit fairly well.