I have just started riding again after 30 years and learning about real bikes. I went to a local bike shop and rode a DS2 and a Marlin 4 ( I think,it didn't have lock out on the shock) I didn't like the Marlin because the shock was too soft for me and took too much of my newbie, wobbly, peddle power. Loved the DS2 and nearly bought it on the spot. Luckily, I was broke.
I then bought a $100 Trek 820 from Facebook Marketplace and have ridden it a couple months. It took me that long to see more about what I wanted in a bike. I nearly bought one without a shock because of that first experience,and boy would that have been a mistake. Point being .it would be a lot better to buy a $100 used bike to learn what you need and like before spending a bunch.