Never likely to put 29ers on it ZZ,
Budget is around 1k so both fit, from what I've seen, charge is 4 lbs heavier for the medium but the geometry says I only need a small there so weight won't be too much difference as I need a medium fatty. There seems to be loads of options on rear end but I do prefer straight tubes. Fatty ain't available until end of feb though as a full build. the Vee tyres on the charge don't get great reviews.
2nd hand is an option - saw an almost new pug ops for 1300 locally (cupra on singletrack) but that might have sold by now, looked at the fat boy but that is way out of my price range.
No brand awareness or loyalty. throw other ideas in there if you want.