I found a 07 rockhopper and 04 Specialized P2 for close to the same price and was wondering which direction I should go. They are both well within my price range so its really a judgement call from here.

Are you going to be riding xc or dirt jumping?

Pretty much looking for a jack of all trades type of bike. However, I am not too picky, just need something less than 300 bucks and both fit the bill.

Do they both fit you. Give a little more info. Lets start with your social.JK. Hoppper is a trailbike and P series is dirt jumper. Trailbikes are more of a jack-of-all-trades bike. Dirt jumper is for getting the girls.

Haha, actually the P2 is a 17" frame which is small for my 6'2" frame. But the 'hopper is a 19", which is more my style. Are the components "ok" on the rock hopper? I don't need a cadillac, just something not made out of glass.

The Rockhopper is a fine bike. Components are fine, and while you may want to eventually upgrade the fork (comes stock with a Dart 1) and/or add disc brakes when you get more experience, it will still certainly serve you well as is.

The P2 may not be small, believe it or not. I'm pretty short, and my XC bike (comparable to the Rockhopper you're looking at) runs somewhere around 15". My DJ (comparable to the P2 you're looking at) is probably closer to 12" and has 24" wheels.