Mountain Biking - Need Help On What bike to get!!!!

Hi,
I am buying a bike in a week or so and I have alot to choose from, I am looking in the price range of 400-500$ as i am just starting out. I will be doing some off road riding in the woods.here is a list of the comanies i am looking at.
Giant
Trek
GT
Norco
Kona
Jamis
Specialized

I just wanted to know which company offers more in their bikes for the money. And if you think a certain model would be good for me.

Thanx alot
Joey

There are a lot of good bikes to choose from in that range. I would suggest going for a hard-tail as opposed to a full suspension in that range because you will get better components and it is hard to find a decent rear suspension until you get closer to $1000.00.

As to which brand to choose, I suggest thst there are two things more important than what brand:
Does the bike fit you and your intended use?
Does the shop you buy from give you the respect and the service you deserve for giving them your money?

Go to as many bike shops as you can, let them know what your budget is and how you intent to use the bike, test-ride as many bikes as you can, ask as many questions as you can, get a feel for who is just trying to get you money and who is really in to getting you on a bike. A good shop knows that good service will get repeat business and probably your next bike purchase.

This is very important, try not to buy any bike on the first visit to a shop. This will help you avoid getting something you will regret later. When buying a bike, impulse buying is bad! Bike salepeople can be just like car salesmen, they will tell you anything to get your money and don't care if it is what you need or really want. There are some very good shops out there with good helpful people, find that shop in your area.

Ride bikes, take notes, go home, compare notes, go back and get the best one in your area for your budget.

Joey, definitely listen to psychic on not buying on the first trip. I got suckered into a TREK 4500 that way. I say "suckered" not because it's not a good bike, but because it just doesn't feel right now, and now i have to sell it off and start the research all over again. if the brand you want doesn't seem to have the right in-between size, don't settle, check out other brands first that may size differently. let me know what you find out!

get a giant raineer or sumptin like that
it is fairyly inexpenive, and has disc brakes, which makes it easily upgradable
or build a 1,500 dollaz bike for only 600 off of ebay
i bought a leader bike for 120
kicks so much ass!!!!!!!!!!!!

At that price point I would also look at Raleigh (M80 or M60) as they are good bikes for the money. You can check their reviews at mtbr.com. Jamis offers good value in all their line so I would look at them too.