Verified answer

Rent a guitar. Take someone with you who really knows guitars to make sure that it is set up properly before you take it home. Electric guitars are easier to play but require an amplifier to be heard easily. You do not need the world's best gear for learning. You should rent before you buy because you may not want to continue. If you decide you do want to continue take another guitar expert with you and buy a USED guitar in good condition.

For a beginner, I would have to go with a good Yamaha guitar, or even an Ibanez. They aren't too horribly expensive, but they sound good. When its not plugged in, it will sound exactly the same as a regular acoustic, no problems there.

I say get the electric hollow-body.

How good it sounds without the amp just depends on the guitar.

There are several brands that are relatively inexpensive which are excellent instruments.

As far as guitars are concerned, shopping for a specific brand is just insane.

Look around to see what has the pickup configuration you want, and choose the one with the best neck in you price range.