Figure out the following:
1. What you want to spend.
2. How many times a week are you going to ride.
3. Where are you going to ride. Pavement, dirt ??
(Do you really need shocks ?)
Now take the time to find some bike shops and take your time to try some different models , and brands. Test ride them. Do your research on them. Finding a good LBS is important. You're the one who's going to be riding it. If you're not comfortable on it ,or it doesn't fit you're not going to want to ride it.
Good riding guy !