I hear the electric vs acoustic starter instrument all the time and my advice is consistent...acoustic, usually steel string. I do this with my business as full-time instructor and part-time repair guy in mind. With light or extra-light guage or silk/steel strings a decent acoustic will feel quite comfortable for most beginners. Given a choice between that and nylons, most beginners will be satisfied.

Portability is the big thing with beginners in a family home situation, so that they can play anywhere, in or out, without being encumbered by cords, amp, and irrated family members.

Low end acoustics and electrics often differ sunstantially in quality with the acoustics holding tune better...and there is less to screw up mechanically and electrically.

Electric guitars for beginners often have more to do with image than actual sound preference or playing ability, but I hesitate to make that a general statement.

Peace, Mooh.