Mountain Bike Selection?

I have recently gotten into some trail riding and was planning on getting a new bike. I have trail ridden before, but I am unsure about some things with selecting my new bike as there are so many options. First, I am trying to keep it below $550 or so, but if i could get something for a little less that would help too. I want to know what maker I should go with, whether to get a hardtail, or full suspension, and basically if you could refer a model to me. thanks.

When someone wants to spend around $500 for a bike you don't want a low quality ride but are not ready to or can't spend $1000+ for a higher end bike. To get the best you can in the $500 range you need to look at hard tails, Trek, Giant, Kona and others offer well spec'd hard tails in this range. I would not look at a full susp. bike till you are ready to spend $1000+, the under $1000 full Susp. bikes generally come with lower component groups and tend to be on the heavy side, compared to upper end full susp. bikes.

My input is that you should aim for the biggest bang for your buck and get a hardtail. Your Andrew Jackson (five) will take you farther into good parts land. Try and get that stretch limo ride with the same cash and you'll be singing the blues after some hard riding. Bigger is only better if you can afford it. A good dual ender starting price reliably starts at about twice your price. Five is a good place to start for a neat-o hardtail that you can take into the woods with good conscience. Buy new for the warranty and shop support. Buy used and possibly get a sweet deal. But remember it's hard to know how hard a used bike was ridden. If you buy used take it to the shop and have it checked over. Otherwise buy new.

Get a bike that is strong and has suspension because your going to be trail biking.
here's a bike brand which i think would be good for this.