I plan on using it as my commuter / trekking bike.

For the last couple of years I've been on a 2010 Rockhopper that is a tad big for me. its a 21" frame & I have the seat all the way forword it has worked fine but not ideal. This carver has really caught my attention. I am also considering saving some money & possibly going with a Karate Monkey. Like to hear some thoughts....Jeff

Would this be for commuting? Why do you want a suspension fork? Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't a KM a completely different bike than this Carver? (which looks like a fine off road bike)

This purchase would be for everything I use a bike for. I do not need the suspension fork. The bike can be set up with a solid. The KM is not different regarding its geometry. I am commuting now on a 29er.
I have a hard time understanding commuting on a road bike any distance unless someone is in a hurry & a couple of minutes time saved over a 5 -12 mile ride is all that important. Not looking to argue or debate....just giving a bit of the foundation of where I'm coming from & why Im asking what to some could considered to be a silly question in the commuting area.

No, the KM is actually pretty similar. It comes with a rigid fork, but you can use a suspension fork with it.

It's not a silly question! I don't see any rack attachments on this bike, but the KM does fit a rear rack. If that's important to you. Maybe they're there and I'm missing them. Other than that, I don't see any reason to disqualify the carver. I think we overthink the commute thing too much. I've done my commute on a road, hybrid, and comfort bike. Times aren't all that much different. In terms of smiles, it's road>hybrid>comfort, but I still got off the comfort bike smiling.

I find the hoods & the drops are easier on my carpal tunnel afflicted wrists then flat bars. Trekking bars would probably be great as well, I admit. But drop bars work for me, so I don't feel a need to change. I'll probably go flat bar for my upcoming MTB purchase, though.