When buying your first guitar, I would suggest going with something you like the look of and which feels most comfortable when playing. My personal preference would be the fender strat just because the contours of the guitar are very well suited to both seated playing (which you'll spend most of your time doing) and stood up.

Boxier guitars such as Les Paul style guitars and the like can be uncomfortable when stood up as the edges press against your body, however it's hardly painful.

Many starter guitars are of surprisingly good quality, especially from the more well known brands such as Epiphone, Fender, Ibanez and the like, and will all be competetively made, using the most of what is on offer.

Ultimately, I'd say buy what feels right to you. A much bigger decision is what amp you'll be buying, as this will make a much greater difference on the tone of the guitar and the styles of music you'll be able to play. For this I would advise a Line6 amplifier. They offer the most sounds per buck, if you will, and are great when first starting out and experimenting with the differing sounds you can make with your axe :P