Howdy folks,
I'm looking to get a commuter bike, and I'd love some recommendations from you guys. I've been doing a decent bit of research bit it's been hard for me to separate the wheat from the chaff - so many options!

Here's the characteristics that are important to me:
2.5mi ride one-way to work, mostly flat
Looking for riding to work 4 weekdays, and recreational foothill riding occasionally on the weekends.
Living on the 3rd floor of an apartment w/ no elevator, so weight is kind of important
I'm a bike n00b and not a very mechanical guy, but I'm pretty good at learning.
Appearance is a minor factor. Not looking goofy helps
Price is also a factor, but I'm willing to go as high as ~$1000 if need be. Quality > price for me. I am just starting out though, so optimal bang for buck is key No need to spend $1000 if I'm never ever going to notice.
FWIW, geographic region is the bay area - South Bay specifically.

In general I've been looking at road and hybrid bikes lately. I want something that's reasonably comfortable but can go nice and fast and works well enough on the weekends.

So far I've been looking at 7-9 gear internal hub bikes, which look very attractive to me for the low maintenance, but there's a bunch of other options that look cool too.

Here's the list of what I've been considering:
Swobo Dixon
Jamis Commuter 3
Trek soho 4 (just checked with a LBS, none in stock for 08 )
Specialized Globe city 6 IG8

Raleigh Cadent FT2 or FT3
Giant OCR3
Masi Speciale CX
Jamis Coda Sport

So, bike fiends, what can you tell me about these bikes? Any of these I should really go for and others I should totally drop? Internal or derailleurs seems to be the biggest question I should try and narrow down.