Okay, so now I am stuck between 29", 26" and a few models:

26" Camp:
GT Ruckus SS ($489)
+ front fork would ease out the bumps
+ steel frame would be less harsh
- may be a bit heavy, but so am I
- no local tryout available
Specialized Hardrock SS ($385)
+ already test ridden
+ nice color
- did not blow me away on test ride
- frame may be too small for me
- I've had aluminum hardtails before and I do not miss them

29" Camp:
GT Peace 9r (looking at one locally tonight $550)
+ pretty bike, very clean lines
+ suspension fork-ready geometry
+ eccentric BB = QR wheels--don't need to worry about carrying a wrench with me to change a tube/tire
+ decent component spec
- no disc brake bosses
- heavy?
Redline Monocog 29 ($450)
+ decent reviews
- brown?

I'd love to do a frame build, but the whole point of this was to get something relatively cheap that I could use for commuting and city riding as well as doing some XC training. If I did a frame build, I know I would bling it out and defeat what I set out to do.

To put things in perspective, my other bikes are a Jamis Eclipse and a Giant NRS C1.