In two words.......Rivendell Quickbeam!!!!!

This bike would be my first non custom single speed (actually a four speed) fixed or freewheel but nevertheless, a way more usefull bike for communting if thats what you really want. If you live on a fairly flat route, have good/young knees and don't mind variable cadence then get a single geared bike. If on the other hand you have strong wind in one direction or slight downgrade one way or a uphill, either way I'd get the Quickbeam. Two front chainrings and an extra gear on the flip flop hub can give you a decent range for when you are tired,sick or just lazy or if your route varies too much. Its lugged and better looking IMHO so check it out.