Mountain Biking - If I'm looking at trek 6700 and 8000 what else is out there?

hey guys im looking for my first mountain bike. so far i have been looking at the trek 6700 and the 8000. what else should i be looking at in this range?

and one side question: is there a reason that some bikes have very sloping top tube where other bikes are pretty much straight? i asked the guy at the bike shop and he said it was for smaller riders which i dont buy.

With the top tube being sloped, it's just a different look and it's easier to get on and off. It also helps the handling of the bike depending on the total geometry.
As far as what you should be looking at, most bike manufacturers have all levels of bikes. So depending on what your LBS carries will be what you want to purchase and have the ease of them working on it.
An example of other Manufacturers are
Giant, Bianchi, Gary Fisher, Santa Cruz, etc. Do some research, that part is always fun.
So, what you really want to look at is the level of components and the fit, because all frames as pretty much made in china and it comes down to the level of the components, which effects the cost. Go with the best bike you can afford. XT level of components are the best bang for buck.
Good Luck.

A Specialized Stumpjumper will have geometry very similar to that of the 8000. Jamis hardtails are probably in the same boat. The Gary Fisher bikes will have a slightly longer top tube, as will the Rocky Mountain bikes.

is there a reason that some bikes have very sloping top tube where other bikes are pretty much straight?

Might have something to do with what style of riding the bike is built for and the type of fork that the frame is made to handle.
Longer forks will mean the headtube is higher off the ground and the top tube slopes down more.

You could look at a 29er- the GF Paragon is about the same price. And that's a sweet ride.

The best buys will be 07 left overs if you can find any you like in your price range. I personaly think the 29ers are nice bikes but not as much bang for the buck as the 26 inch wheels even with smilar specs the 29inch wheels are heavier making the bike much heavier. I would say go ride one anyway it just didnt make me want to spend the $1500 on one.

Yeah, but a good 29er (like the Paragon) won't feel like it weighs more.

i actually rode the X-caliber, Paragon and the cannondale 29er 3 caffiene then rode a 07 stumpjumper comp for a little cheaper. Its really like a said a personal thing you just have to ride them, its like a vette vs. a lotus exige.