Advice for a new bike? Specifics inside!

[indysteel]

Specialized makes women's MTB pretty small. You might want to look at the Mykta and the Jett in your price range. They do come in 26er and 29ers. I'm waiting for October when my LBS will have their sale to try to get rid of their 2012 and promote their 2013 bikes.
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

You might add the Rockhopper to the list. It's comes in an XS and offers 100 mm of travel.

I poured over a lot of company websites last year, mostly looking for a FS bike to fit my short legs. I got the impression--and I'm no expert as a relatively new MTBer--that 26" HTs are becoming a bit more of an afterthought for some companies, in favor of 29ers and FS bikes. Those that are on the market are often not speced all that well and are sold at lower price points. That was just my impression; I would assume there are exceptions.