While you're shopping, be sure to check out some road bikes too.
I bought a hybrid (Giant Escape) a year and a half ago, and it is a great bike. I put 2000 miles on it, and decided to test ride some road bikes. I ended up buying an "endurance" road bike (Felt Z5) and have been putting a ton of miles on it.
I thought that the more upright position of the hybrid would be the most comfortable for me, but I find the road bike much more comfortable to ride, especially longer distances, than the hybrid.
The hybrid has become my "pickup truck" for trips to the store or if I'm gonna be on less than perfect pavement.