Mountain Biking - need help for the right bike

Hi all. Im 6.3 260lbs. i dont ride to hard, mostly steets and dirt/rocky trails. a little of everything. question is im not sure what kind of mountain bike to look at. my price range is 1000 or less. i want a bike thats a little more than what i need so i can grow into it, rather than getting a new one as i advance.

im told to stay away from full suspension. front forks are good but should be strong enought to handle my weight. something like fox.
any recommendations?
thanks
aby

Specialized Stumpjumper M4 Hardtail. Comes with decent components, Fox Fork, good sturdy bike and good company stands behind its products and in your price range.

I'd recommend the 2006 Kona Hoss:
http://www.konaworld.com/shopping_cart/FrontEnd/Products/product_detail.aspx?productid=360&parentid=253

I'm 6'4" 230lbs and have the 2005 Kona Hoss; I love it. It's a bit on the heavy side, but can handle just about anything I can dish out. The Hoss is Kona's Clydes (big and/or heavy riders) specific bike.

i just test rode both the kona hoss and the avalance 1.0 and .5
i hated the kona due to the weight of the bike, and honestly not pretty to look at.
as far as the avalanche i liked the 1.0 and .5
anyone else have any recommendations that i can test ride?
i would love to get my hands on the stumpjumper but i cant find a hardtail with disc breaks for the right price. cheapest i found is 1400. is that right?
please help
thanks
aby

i would love to get my hands on the stumpjumper but i cant find a hardtail with disc breaks for the right price.
Look at the Rockhopper then. Specialized has a lifetime warranty on thier frames.