FS mtb or hardtail?

I have been looking at FS mountain bikes for a while. Test ridden Kona Supreme and looked at Santa Cruz. Recently been looking at Giants and Treks. Now my question is this...I'm new to mountain biking, I live in the West. My brother has a Specialized Stumpjumper and loves it. I can see why after testing a FS rig myself.

I was wondering if a hardtail would give me the diversity of a ride between local streets and trails but not a FS bike. I want something I can just out there and ride without worring about everything with my good bike which is a road bike-Look 555.

Thank you,
Red Rock