Thanks for all the replies ... you all make too much sense

Some times it's easy for me to get too caught up in the details.

I do have 2 more questions:

a 7 or 8 speed internal hub vs a 21 or 24 speed bike. Will they both go up hills equally? My primary place to ride beyond the streets around my house will be a paved bike trail with some hills.

The Jamis commuter is a very nice lightweight bike, but only the 8 gears (no suspension which doesn't sound like a bad way to go). The other bike that would be similar is the Giant Ex (more expensive, suspension, heavier bike).

How do I know what size frame? It seems like some of the bikes I ride, that the LBS salesperson have put me on, my knees were practically to the handlebars and it wasn't comfortable.

I'm not super tall (5' 6 1/2' - 31 inch inseam), but honestly, the bikes I've been the most comfortable on were the larger frames.

Ok, back to work.