Mountain Biking - Bike selection help needed

I am getting a new bike and could really use a little help. I am leaning toward a Trek 4500 with a Trek 4900 a slight possibility. If any of you know of any other bikes that would be equal to or better than these at no more cost to me, I would appreciate your input. Also, where can I order a Trek online? Thanks.

I actually just called an LBS today to get prices on those two bikes. He said the 4500 was $419 and the 4900 was $559, so you are looking at a big jump in price. They are the basically the same frame, differences are the wheels, derailers and a few other small things. The catalog actually lists the 4900 as a XC bike while the 4500 is a mountain rec bike. I don't know what the big difference is.
Overall, they both seem like decent bikes to me. I'm personally eyeing the 4500 very seriously because it's a pretty fair price and should be plenty for the limited amount of riding I will be doing.
The LBS man said that the Raleigh M60 and M80 are fairly comparable, but I haven't taken a look at them. Other people have recommended Gary Fisher and Giant, while I was moderately impressed by a Specialized I borrowed recently.
Another note, in a recent post someone put up a picture of their new Trek 4500 and immediately 20 people replied to tell him they had the same bike. That seems like a good sign to me.
Finally, I tried http://trekbikes.com but didn't find any way to order online

I wouldn't recommend ordering a bike on-line, you really need to try it out to see how it fits, and if you're relatively new to cycling the post sales support a LBS can offer is worth having.

With regard to other bikes, there's little to choose in terms of quality between any of the bigger brands, but frame design and spec. will vary - try as many as you can.

Richard

As Richard States above,

There's no substitute to riding a bike and getting the feel of it first, before you decide.

There are bargins to be had on the net, but more often than not, there's no aftersales support (especially if the shop is outta your state/country).

Good luck in your choice :)

Rich

Sounds like you have a price range. My advice is to go to as many LBS as you can and ride everything you are able in that price range. After all it is you who will ride this.