Mountain Biking - newbie needs Help, please read

Ok, I've done some research, and A LOT of calling around. I really want to buy a specialized P series, preferably P1. Is this a good bike? I've gone to mtbr.com and searched their reviews and stuff, but it is soo vague. I don't necessarily need some in depth analysis (although that would be nice), but maybe just a few more opinions about alternatives, what's good about this bike, what's bad? are the components any good? I mean i've heard they are just OKAY, but i'm a newbie, do i need the same components as someone with a 1300 dollar bike? Of course I'd like to, but for the riding I will do (some short commuting (no greater than 6 miles) and trail riding (nothing crazy) will this suffice? Thanks. sorry for the long post!

I have never ridden a P1 myself, but my understanding is that it is intended for DJing etc. as opposed to trail riding. If its the same as it is for bmx bikes you may well end up paying for a super strong frame that you don't really need at the expense of componentry. Also the stock P1 is single speed, which is pretty hard riding, especially if you are new to the sport. Having said that the bike should be perfectly capable of dealing with anything commuting and light trail riding throws at it. I'd suggest a more xc orientated bike if you want to stick with that type of riding.

it's not really a "commute" and "trail" type of bike. it's more for drops, urban assault, dirt jumping. freeridish stuff i guess.

commuting may get tiresome on it. maybe you want more of a sport hardtail, trail type bike, like the hardrock or rockhopper series (if we're talking specialized).

but anyway, the p2 will still be able to do the commuting on and ride trails on, it's just not specialized for it.

well the only reason I haven't really been looking at a hardrock, or rockhopper is because I don't want to mess with gears. Even though I am not an advanced rider, I am in pretty good shape, so I'm not too worried about the single speed. Basically I got directed towards the P1 because I wanted something low maintenance, bomb-proof, front suspension, that could do a little of it all. any other suggestions

Of course I'd like to, but for the riding I will do (some short commuting (no greater than 6 miles) and trail riding (nothing crazy) will this suffice? Thanks. sorry for the long post!
Save yourself half a grand (USD) and get a Giant Boulder or Trek 820/3700. These bikes will suffice.