This is kind of a tough question to answer and hopefully other members will chime in here because the more opinions for you to consider-the more information that you have to make a good choice. There are numerous Fender models out there both Telecaster or Stratocaster. There are many other "Big Name" companies out there that make high quality versions/interpretations, copies or knock-offs-whichever you choose to call them. The Fender "Standard" models ($499.99 at most all U.S. authorized dealers) don't have any kind of special pickups-they are essentially the bottem end pickups, not that they're bad (not at all-traditional Fender sound) but they are noisy. This noise is basically inherent to single coil pickups and can be especially problematic with lower end pickups. So buying the way affordable Fender Standard, while a nice guitar, you'll more likely than likely end up replacing the pickups with a set of Fender Noiseless Pickups at $199.99 (U.S.) or Fender Texas Special Pickups (at $149.99-U.S.-the last time that I looked)-so you end up with $650 to $700 invested in the guitar. But when changing the pickups, you'd be wise to do a cavity shielding and change out the potentiometers and capacitors which will bring the investment a bit higher. So, if money isn't an object here, I would suggest going with an American Special model of either guitar. Fender has a Standard Ash Tele with Vintage Noiseless pickups in the $599.99 price range which might be a good choice in a Telecaster. Just back in March 2013 in the Musicain's Friend Catalog on the inside back cover (under Stupid Deals of the Month) they had a Fender FSR (Fender Special Run) Custom Telecaster HH (humbucker-humbucker) with DiMarzio Pick Ups on sale for just $599.99-regularly priced at $799.99, as well as a Fender FSR Custom Telecaster HH with EMG Pick Ups for $599.99-regularly priced at $799.99. There are just too many options to list here-the list would be pages long.
I wouldn't ignore Squier (by Fender) guitars-especially as Squier quality has improved much over the recent years and you'll get more "Bang for your Buck)-and if you're going to end up swapping out pickups on a Fender Standard, why not just mod (modify) the Squier with higher end electronics, fret dressing etc.
Another consideration, why not look in to some other big brand versions? For instance take a look at the LTD by ESP Model ST203 Stratocaster copy. It has a worn finish ( a finish that is made to emulate the look of a well travelled, well played guitar) which some people don't care for in a "NEW" guitar, but this ESP comes in at $349.00 or look into the Schecter PT Fastback- which is a Telecaster copy available with Maple or Rosewood Fretboard and choice of a pair of Schecter Super Rock II Humbuckers or a set of Duncan Designed HB102 and FG101 humbuckers.
Again the choices are just way too numerous to try to cover in a blog post. I'd say put that computer to work and start investigating these guitars and their variations on the internet.
By the way, if you don't yet have a guitar then you probably don't yet have an amplifier. What are you considering for an amplifier? While looking for and at guitars, it is also a good time to be looking at amps in order to get one that compliments the other.
Sorry so long a post and hope it helps. Best of luck to you in your "quest".-Jim