Mountain Biking - New what bike?

sorry bout this guys. You probably get a lot of these messages and they probably piss you off big time, I know i get wound up with all the n00bs posting on the surf forums i go on. Anyway my mate started mountain biking in xmas and hes been trying to get me to go. So its finally rubbed off and i decided to get a new bike. Try and keep sugestions to within a £1000(UK obviously). I would like a fairly high spec bike, full sus' etc... also do you know any site that help with bike science, like how to mod it or whatever i decide to build my own. Also im not to up on part names so any sites with a sort of mountain biking anatomy guide if you like would be helpful. Thanks for letting me waste your time and cheers in advance for your help.

Dai.

anatomy of a mtb: http://mountainbike.about.com/library/blparts.htm

don't know if you should be building the bike yourself unless you really know what you want... as for bike recommendations, the first Q is always: what kind of riding do you intend to do?

If you dont mind no reaer suspension, and not really choosing what parts on the bike, I would suggest A Haro Escape 8.1 I have one and it is a very nice and strong bike. not quite sure if you can get it over in the UK. And its only $660 US dollars (not sure what that would be in your dollars). If not that go with a 05' Kona Dawg Matic (1100 UK dollars), and if your willing to spend 1500 UK dollars you can get a 05' Kona Coiler. Those are my suddestions, but I'm new too so some one correct me if I'm worng that they are good bikes.

Mostly downhill and jumping, but will also use it to get around but dont worry bout that too much as i it will only be short journeies, just focus on the downhill and jumping, perhaps a bit of freeriding aswell but nothing to much. I live in south wales as well so i know loads of good dirt rides, so i guess its an ideal place to start.