Have you looked at the Gary Fisher dual sports? I believe the Utopia would be the comporable model to the 7500FX. I rode a Montare (one step up, same style/frame) today from the shop I work for to the store. I am almost thinking about buying one for short commutes like that. It's awesome because it's almost like a mountain bike so it will take a lot of abuse. I just don't know if you'd want the suspension fork.
It was fun though, I could see it being as fast as a 750OFX if you swapped the tires with skinnier, more slick ones. Then you could just fly through the paved lot, jump the curb and downhill the grass hill and jump it into the store parking lot. Not that I would do that on a test ride though...