Hm, when i go to buy some new gear in a guitar shop, i always make sure i know more about it then anyone who works in the shop.
This can make the sales-persons feel very uncomfortable too(wich is always fun!! hehe)

I you gonna buy a guitar, play every guitar in the store you like, no 10 minute solos are needed to test a guitar. If it feels good, sounds good, and you dont scream like a girl when you see the price, BUY IT! hehe

Have a look at the product reviews at www.harmonycentral.com , thats where i do my researche before i go shopping.