If all you really want is a comfortable commuter, you don't need suspension---fat tires should be enough. If you really want a bike with a fork ... any fork you get for $200 is probably going to be pretty poor, which means heavy, of very limited effectiveness, and not very durable.

Why do you want a 29er anyway? The deal with 29ers is they roll well on fast, flowy trails ... but if you plan mostly to commute, they won't do anything for you. Nothing against a 29er, but a 26 will work just as well, so I wouldn't make that the basis for my decision.

If you shop around you should be able to find a decent front-suspension MTB for $500 ... relatively heavy, with lower-end but perfectly serviceable components and a fork which won't break after a year of normal use. Should even support the occasional craziness. Both new and used options should be available---obviously you will get more bike for the money used, but also possibly a lot more wear and a lot less life. If yuo think you can spot a good deal, jump on it.

Don't buy anything in Wal-Wart if it costs over about $20.