After all the discussion, I was set on either the Ionic Steelhead or KHS Team ST. The Steelhead was 7-10 weeks out so it ended up being a no-brainer. I ordered a 2004 KHS Team ST for $500 free shipping (Softtail with that little bushing/shock at the back- still considered a Hardtail).
I also ordered a seat - WTB Lazer Stealth Ti - $60
To go with that seat - Thomson Elite Seatpost $70 (I think 400 length, not the 330)
Now I'm already thinking about a second bike but that will wait till this winter when I see some awesome closeouts on bikes/frames. Steel and Titanium are my choices again
Also found out that Sprint PCS has essentially "sold" me to IBM so I'll be an IBM employee now- not sure how that will go- I'm quite a rebel and Sprint puts up with me because I'm a good project manager (or I've convinced them of that anyway- I probably suck but that's irrelevant).
I should have everything next week.
Oh, I also am trying to go back to clipless- I bought a set of Speedplay Frogs and put them on my roadbike to see what happens. If/when I get really comfortable with them, I'll get another pair for my mountain bike. Till them, I have the toeclips I'm comfy with.