in general, even if you re just a beginner, I would suggest you to get decent, good sounding guitar, don't go for very cheap ones that sound horrible cause you will be not willing to play them.. and next year as you get better I will want to buy another one...
Try many guitars if you can and consider things that are very personal, like for example, the size of the body that is more comfortable for you.
I got a "big baby Taylor BBT" for 400$, new, amazing sound and small body, very comfortable to play
I know there are many guitars for about the price that sound very well, for example the Laguna LG6CE-RW, that you can eventually also plug to an amplifier, take a look
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSUVKqDvV2M
I know some people also mentioned the Takemine guitars. These are all acoustic guitars. If these prices are not affordable for you, you could ask to people at store to give you some directions.. or, check if you can get something used.
good luck in your searching