I am new to mountain biking and looking to purchase. I am strongly considering the Trek 4500. I am wanting to stay in the $500-$600 range......Everything I hear about this particular model is awesome.....any other recommendations?

Only other thing I could think of that is popular among first time buyers is the Specialized Hardrock.

The 4500 is a great bike i ride with a couple of guys who have them one has the disk model the other is non disk. They both have nothing but good things to say about thier bikes.