or specialized stumpjumper, or yt jeffsey just to see if you like it a lot more than a hard trail. If you do, then wait until the end of the season and buy used demo bike from one of the bike shops, for around 1500-1700. Or buy used from ksl. That's cheaper than deciding you want a full squish next year after already spending 1500 on a hardtail this year.

On the other hand, if you really like the hardtail better go ahead and buy whichever bike feels the best... And definitely get a dropper post.