I forgot to ask what type of riding your planning on doing, Mike? The type of riding your planning on doing will also have a HUGE impact on the bike you choose. Perhaps you can give us some more info. There are much better authorities on the subject than me on the forums that will ask that question.
The bike I recommended is a good entry level, but is not build for big drops, hucks, or DH. It is more of an all around XC type of bike.