Well, a guitar is a pretty personal choice... you're not going to be really comfortable learning on a guitar that you arent comfortable playing obviously, so one of the MAIN things to consider is Is this guitar comfortable to play?. Even if you dont know ANYTHING about playing, be sure to sit down with the guitar before buying it and hold it in the playing position and strum, even if you dont know any chords or anything. just make sure you are comfortable with the guitar.

And that brings me to my next point: try to buy LOCALLY, from a local music shop because if anything goes wrong/right/weird, you can talk to them about it, and i'm sure they'll be happy to help you with your guitar if you buy from them... (plus, some places might even throw in a couple lessons to get you started.. hint hint nudge nudge)... and ask about beginner packages.. the store may have some sort of bundle that includes the guitar, case, (amp if electric), picks, strap all for a nice low price... if they dont, see tell them how much you have to spend (actually, tell them how much you WANT to spend... there's a big difference.. ;) ) and they might be able to help you out with some sort of discount.. :)

As for brands of guitars, (not to be too biased), i first went with an Ibanez because i liked the way it looked an played... Ibanez makes GREAT beginner guitars, electric and Accoustic... then i moved on to my Washburn... again, Washburn makes great beginner guitars (elec. and accoustic) AND washburn guitars have LIFETIME WARRANTIES!!!... (hint hint nudge nudge)... anyways... you shouldnt really let the name brand choose the guitar for you... PLAY the guitar in the store, and see what you like... :)

Well, this is the most difficult question to answer online because, hehe, its tough to describe something physical with text... anyways, you want to have a good grip on the pick, but do NOT hold it too tight... i guess the best way to grip the pick would be the "just enough" approach.. hold the pick just enough to prevent it from falling out of your fingers..

Now, if you grip the pick REAL HARD, then you are going to get a REALLY STRONG sound and the strings will "blare" and if that's what you want, then go for it... the "just enough" approach will get you started strumming, and will give you a pretty good feel for strumming...

When you ARE strumming, you want to "sweep" the strings with the pick... meaning: you know how when you use a broom, the bristles (or whatever they're called) flex depending on which way you push/pull the broom? well, you want that same sort of feel when strumming... let the string pull at the pick, but dont let them pull it out of your hand.. just think "let it flow" when you strum... :) ...