there are many many many brands to look at.

For value for money, I am very fond of Cort guitars, I own one, and although she doesn't get much play time these days, I love her to bits.

Also check out Schecter and Ibanez, both make some really nice pieces for the money.

When we get to the high end level, I would actually stay away from Les pauls...as nice as they are, they are just not worth it. I bought a Gibson Les Paul 4 years ago, when I was young and stupid. I love this guitar, but if I could go back knowing what I know now, I would have got a much better guitar for the money.

Once it gets to a certain level though, it's really all about personal preference...the quality difference between say a John Suhr and a Tom Anderson guitar is almost non-existant...it's all about what you want in a guitar and which you like more.

In fact, that is true of cheaper guitars too.you can expect the quality of a cheaper guitar to be pretty much uniform...some companies, like Cort, and Ibanez, do raise the game a little, but at the end of the day, it's all about what you want, and which guitars you like the most.

why not hop onto www.musiciansfriend.com and have a look at the guitars they're selling on there...just to get an idea of what's around and what looks good to you.
Then go and try one out in a guitar store near you...

that said, if you like the look of a strat, and have the cash and will to spend it...a 400USD Mexican strat is a really nice guitar to own...especially as your first guitar...

Keep us posted