You might want to check out Bikeforums.net. There are lots of women (and threads) about bikes that'll fit you! It's also a good resource for learning, too. I learned a lot on there.
The Trek you're talking about is a pretty good deal and it even comes in a 14" which should be the right size for you (depending on how long your legs are it might even be too small!) The drivetrain isn't the greatest, but if you take care of it and maintain it regularly you should get a lot of use out of it. The disc brakes are nice for stopping quickly, especially in the rain but the brake pads will cost you a bit more than rim brakes, and if you get in an accident it's likely that you'll damage them, which means repair or replacement. But there's nothing like knowing you can stop on a dime if you find yourself in a predicament.
If you have bike shops in the area, I strongly recommend showing up and going for a test drive - ride as many bikes as you can in your size range. Most bike shops are pretty accommodating for new riders (and if they aren't, go elsewhere.) If you know a bit before you go in, you can also tell if you're on the receiving end of a snow job. (I had some guy tell me that canti brakes are on the way out and that "everyone" will have disc brakes in 2 years...mmhmm, I may be female, but I'm not an idiot.)
Most bikes in your price range and performance bracket are going to have the same or similar parts, and the frames will all made by a couple of companies in Taiwan, so there's not much difference between brands (aside from buying a bike shaped object from Walmart.) Ya gotta spend some serious $$$ these days to get anything made in North America or Europe.
