I agree with 6strngs on the amp, a spiderII is an awesome amp.
not sure I like the Ibanez Gio suggestion...in my experience the Ibanez gio range is not too good.
but then, I am also not familiar with Us prices, so maybe the Grx20 is the best value for money you can get, with an amp, for under 500$...but personally I would save a little more until I could afford an actaul Ibanez Rg, or summin similar...the mexican strat suggestion is a great one...but once again, dunno how much they cost there...