As much as I'd like to get something with a belt-driven IGH, all of those models are out of my budget. But I know that I want something more. I've also come to the conclusion that I should stick to those brands that are readily available through the local shops. So here is my list of potentials:

-Kona Dew Plus. This one is through the last shop I bought a bike from. Nice enough chaps, with two locations.
-Trek PDX. Cheaper than its 7.3 and 7.5 FX brethren. This shop just moved into the downtown core, so it is ideally located along my commute route.
-Marin Muirwoods 29er. The shop that sells this is the furthest away from both work and home, but I think this may be the best value...
-Felt Verza CityThis can be had through the same shop as the Kona, but is also at the ceiling of my budget.
-Redline Metro Disc. This is the dark horse of the bunch, as it would be more of a special order, but it also looks to be the swiftest of the bunch as well. I also don't know the price, so it might not even be in the budget, but it sure looks sweet!
-Redline Metro 9. No discs, but I now feel that this one warrants some consideration.

I am currently doing the bike and bus thing. Might one day start phasing out the bus. And I currently ride mostly on paved MUPs. I, strictly speaking, don't need the discs- I just want 'em.

ETA: the last model.