HT XC/trailriding

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I have been visiting this forum for awhile and thought I should finally register. I am about to get my first bike that cost more than $300. I am looking at getting a new HT and would like to spend around 1000+/-. I should add that I love speed and love to climb like a mountain goat. This bike is going to be used for some epic rides, 30-40 mile trips with ascending/descending of 3-4000ft and just short couple of hour trips. So I would like to get something that doesn't feel like I am pulling a bag of bricks with me, but yet still sturdy enough to take some abuse. I have not made up my mind as far as steel or aluminum, but at this point I think I would be happy with either unless someone would argue differently. Also I would like a fork that comes with around 3-4in of travel. A friend recommended that I take a look at the Ibex Trophy 880 disc which is a really nice bike and I also like Marin's. I These are the specs on the Ibex

Frame:
6061 Double-Butted Aluminum w/ Oversize Tubing /Aerol Downtube / Replaceable Derailleur Hanger / Disc Ready / S-Bend Seat-Stay & Tapered Chainstay Fork:
Marzocchi EXR Race w/ 85mm Travel / One Side Coil - One Side Air / Ext. Air Preload Adjustment / Ext. Rebound Adjustment / Monolite Magnesium Lowers / 30mm Stanchions Front Derailleur:
Shimano LX Rear Derailleur:
Shimano XT Shifters:
Shimano LX Rapidfire - 27-spd Indexed Crankset:
TruVativ Firex Team - 44/32/22T w/ Alloy Crank Arms & Chainrings - Mirror Black / Polished Bottom Bracket:
TruVativ Giga-Pipe SL - ISIS Splined - Cartridge Type Cassette:
Shimano HG-70- 11-32T - 9-spd Chain:
KMC Z9000 Super Narrow - Dark Silver Brakes:
Avid Juicy-5 Hydraulic Disc Brakes Brake Levers:
Avid Juicy-5 Cables:
Jagwire Tires:
Kenda Koyote - 26" x 1.95" Rims:
Sun DS1-XC - 32H - Silver Hubs:
Shimano M525 w/ Quick Release Spokes:
14G Black Stainless Steel Handlebar:
TruVativ XR - 640mm x 25° rise - OS 31.8 Clamp Size Stem:
TruVativ XR Alloy - 4-bolt - OS 31.8 Clamp Grips:
WTB Dual Compound Trial Grips Headset:
FSA Orbit XL II Threadless - Cartridge Bearings Pedals:
Shimano M520 Clipless w/ Cleats and Clip-in Platform Saddle:
WTB Pure V Race Seat Post:
TruVativ XR- 2-bolt - 27.2 x 350mm Seat Clamp:
Uno Alloy Extrusion Also Included:
Multi-tool, Touch-up Paint
It comes with a lot of nice components, and it will be hard to beat. The other bikes I have looked at are Marin Nail Trail, Marin Palisades Trail, and Marin Eldridge Grade. So I was curious what would be a good starting point for a HT?

I would also check out brands such as Norco, Avanti, Giant, and Specialized for good hardtails. I think you'll find in a particular price range (eg $1000) bikes across most brands will be similar overall in componentry. Brand x may have better suspension than brand y bout the running gear on brand x may not be as good etc. Narrow down your choice according to your spec preferences to say 2 or 3 bikes then have a ride of them all & see which bike feels more comfortable & which you think looks better etc.

I really like Gary Fisher's Geometry. For $1k, you really cant go wrong with any maker's hardtails. I liked the look and spec of some Konas, then i rode one and really didnt like the geometry.