try looking at the buy/sell section and you may get good 2nd hands with your budget. ask the sellers about the guitars they're selling (playability, sound, etc) if you're not sure about the guitars
1) budget - done!
2) shape of guitar - strat? les paul? superstrat? tele?
3) type of songs u play? - rock? metal? blues?
4) fav guitarists?
5) does ur budget include amps etc?
I always no $$. Haha. But will get a Timbre SR-200 soon.
TS, go for packages. I started off with packages too. The guitar comes with a bag, amp, cable, picks, strings. A lot of stuff it comes with, good deal.
The Timbre package is not bad. Top up $70 and get a Sound Drive SG-15. That's a good amplifier. After a few years, upgrade your equipments.
Try here. http://www.citymusic.com.sg/deals.html A good versatile amp and reasonably well built guitars. (still, I recommend that you get someone to help you with the testing).
I would rather you look through the 2nd hand forums to get something at a reasonable price. that way you can sell it off at not much of a loss as compared to buying 1st hand if you intend to change guitar in future.
however, its best to buy from a shop. at least they offer some form of warranty. especially for a newbie, it is hard to tell whether a guitar is in perfect working order or not. its best to bring a buddy who knows about guitars along with you.
I'll go with the shop. Sometmies u can get good deals from there. just got a Squier Strat, with amp, cable, sling, whammy bar, stand, pick, string cleaner fr only $400. went Parklane to get it though