I own a trek 520 and a Bianchi San Jose (fixed/free). I love them both. I got the trek 520 first (though i've ridden a homemade fixie for a few years as well). i bought the trek 520 used for $250 from a guy who had no idea what he had or how good the bike was and had barely ridden it. he just knew that biking wasn't for him. i got the san jose new for about $450 at a local bike shop that wanted to get rid of their singlespeed bikes.

what i'm getting at is...there is no one right bike. there are lots of commuter/touring bikes out there now. try some out. does it feel good? does it look good? can you put a rack on it? are the handlebars the way you like it? if it looks good, feels good, costs good (!)...then go for it.