Best bet really is to go too a good guitar shop and try some guitars in that price range and then make a decision.
Personally though for that kinda price i'd look at a Squier standard strat or telecaster, i've got a squire strat and its a nice simple pick up and play thing, the action's not as low as my beast but it didn't cost as much either
I've heard good things about the ibanez and Cort's lower end guitars aswell so they may be worth a look.
Online stores -
www.soundpad.co.uk
Had my bc rich from these guys,delivered 2 days later in perfect condition
www.regentguitars.co.uk
I'm a member of the forums over here, they're slightly more expensive but they do a full proffesional set up before they ship and apparently have very good quality control.