Hi and welcome to the forums! To be quite honest with you there is very little difference in entry level mountain bikes (which the Hardrock falls under) component wise and the frames are all most likely made in the same plant in China so no frame will be made to a different quality control level than another manufacturers in the price range. Don't be afraid to check into a Trek, Giant, Raleigh, Diamondback etc.
If you insist on buying something new make sure you go to every LBS and test ride every bike in your price range. Then buy the bike that meets the following three criteria (in order of importance)- A: A good feeling from the LBS, buy from the one that takes the time to answer every question you have no matter how silly you think it is; B: The bike that feels best to you; C: The bike that meets the above two criteria and has good sex appeal. You have to actually want to ride it you know.
That said I would check into a Trek FX 7.3 which is in your price range and will be much friendlier on road.