If you have a Jamis dealer in the area and go to check out the Commuter, you should also look at the "Coda" line of bikes. They're perfect for commuting, steel (soo comfy), and well spec'd for the price. This spring I got an '05 Coda Sport on mega clearance and have been quite happy with it (though I've upgraded several things, that's probably because I'm a gearhead and not because the bike needed it). The other nice thing is that there are several different Codas, ranging from about $450 to over $1500.

On another note, I test rode a bike once with a thudbuster and it was awesome! I can't really justify one for the price since my route isn't particularly bumpy, but the thudbuster was not even in the same category as "normal" suspension posts.