I find it is handy to look at everything that appeals to me in my price bracket. Then follow up each interesting possibility by checking what ever reviews I can find. Some of the seller sites, like MF have both the instrument and reviews on it. I will also use Harmony Central http://www.harmonycentral.com/index.jspa (which is pretty FU'd right now and hard to use) and also Ultimate Guitar http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/reviews/

I like the review forums for research because you can get some really straight up information regarding pros and cons. You also get some morons, and people that have played for 3 days leaving reviews, so be aware.

That guitar gets really excellent reviews!!!
http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/reviews/acoustic_guitars/yamaha/apx_500/index.html
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Yamaha-APX500-Thinline-AcousticElectric-Cutaway-?sku=512948

Here is what some folks on MF had to say about the amp...
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Crate-CA15-Cimarron-1x8-12W-Acoustic-Combo-Amp?sku=481750