I think most elecric players have an acoustic as well. I find that playing and praticing on an acoustic sets you in good stead for the electric. Acoustics play a lovely sound without amps and pedals, so keeping the cost down and you can strum to your hearts content as well as pick.

The electric guitar gives you more/easier access to the higher frets and is a little easier to play but not as forgiving(the wrong notes, buzz, bangs etc show up more)

Try not to think however which is easier to play but rather how much fun you will have learning to play "THE GUITAR".

As far as buying any guitar, work out how much you have at hand and trot off to a guitar shop as opposed to say Argos, chat to the staff play several in your price range, ask their advice, if paying in readies then HAGGLE.

Choose one for comfort/feel, sound, cost and then beauty.

I like the Simon and Patrick range of acoustics, made by the godin/seagul company and excellent in price if of course you have a spare £300. ( all guitarist have their own veiws on makers etc.)

Playing the guitar above all is a whole new life and very very addictive. Riff and be merry..