The LBS that impressed me the most (offers good deals on service to customers, etc) deals in Trek and Klein and originally pointed toward the Trek 820 based on my $300 college-student budget. I thought yeah cool and all at first, but started looking real hard at its shortcomings: Steel Frame, cheap wheels, bottom end shimano, RST fork and realized it would not do. That ( and reviews from mtbr.com) led me look at the Trek4300 and the 4500 aluminum. I would appreciate comments from anyone with experience on these rides.
Other, less impressive, shops in the area offer Specialized, Gary Fisher, and Raleigh. So I would also like to know about hardtails by them in the $300-$500 range.
Thanks for you help

Oh yeah, the other bike I am looking at is the Santa Fe Bullit.

If yoiu can squeeze out an extra $40, i just picked up a 2003 Gary Fisher Tassajara for $539. Just got it yesterday it is an awesome bike. Deore components all around, rock shox pilot xc shock. Really nice bike. I love it. So if yoiu are close to this price range i woul dig up the extra money cause you will not regret it.

The Tassajarra would be a good bet if your looking for a good brand-name with decent parts. There are a few raleighs in your price range and a few just over it that would also be worth a look. If you could find a shop that sold them, and if you had couple hundred? more you could spring for the Giant Ranier. Its a nice bike.

you should go with the gary fisher marlin, i have a 1999 and i love mine, and i know that the newer ones are even better, because with the new ones you have a good fork, i had to replace mine. go with fisher!!!

Its Santa Cruz bullit, and you wont have enough money to get one.

I'm very happy with the Trek 4500!
Decent components, solid frame, it takes the abuse that I've given it (so far!) And we have some pretty mean trails around here.