I totally agree that you need to have a fork that has a lockout or a "brain"

You also need to figure out if you are a 26er, 27.5, or 29er type of rider.

Even though I am very short 5ft1", I love the 29ers and got the Specialized Fate 29er

I don't know how tall you are, but if you go hardtail, I highly recommend a carbon hardtail 29er if you can afford it. Aluminum 29ers are heavy, and I just could not enjoy them.