Pistols and *****s are for shooting, guns are for fun. (Quirky censor!!!)

Don't be so awful concerned about the disc/rim arguments. You can find a pile of persuasive arguments for either side. (Lexington is a rather moderate climate, you do get snow but tomorrow's sun makes a great snowplow. Unless you have a bunch of idiots like we do in Atlanta that all make a mad dash for home at the first flake then blame the State because they had to set in stalled traffic all night.)

You can get either style to throw you over the bars and with the right braking material either will stop a commuter as well as they would ever need.

On your shopping trip this weekend make sure to check out the Trek FX line, Giants and stop at REI---they have a variety of brands and styles. You'll find the same bits and pieces (derailleurs, brakes, levers etc....) hanging off of all the different brands. Don't get confused with particular details. And, there's nothing wrong with Felt bikes. I actually was unaware that they made entry level commuters---cool.

Look and see if there's any cyclocross bikes in your price range. You might like them and for the most part they make super commuters. Might be a bit pricey for a first excursion into two wheels.

Fun is the most important part of your search.