to be honest, I've never played a better $200 guitar than this one: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Guitar/Electric?sku=519894

the powder black color looks so cool. very goth/metal looking. of course, I don't know the style of music you want. but it's reasonably versatile too... if not that one, then go for the lower end ibanez. OR an agile, which I have not tried, but have heard so many good things about because you get soo much bang for the buck.

I have not heard many good things about squire. and if you really only want it because of the chrome pickguard, you can rest assured that many places sell aftermarket pickguards (installing them may be a challenge, but if you're the do-it-yourself kinda guy, then go for it!) heck, you can even get diamond plate pickguards.. how cool is that?