Eccckkk, I avoid Ovations like the Plague. They just don't sound good--and the plastic body doesn't help.
As I said, because of young people today and their biases, they think that Ovations are no good. Because of this, you can find some great guitars with fantastic sounds for uber cheap.
Now, I know this is Ingemar's opinion, and he is welcome to have his opinion. I can only go by the guitars I've played in my two and half decades of playing various guitars. Fenders, Ibanez and Yamahas are all basically the same to me, when it comes to the feel of playing them. I think Takamine is a step above these brands, IMHO.
Ovations were innovative in the 70s, and they have quietly been scoffed for the last decade. Why? I don't really know when some great guitarists play them. They're not "plastic" as Ingemar says. They have a non-wood composite for the back oval which is different, and I think is why their acoustic/electrics sound so good.
Anyways, because of young men today you can get Ovations for the cheap. Because they wouldn't be caught dead with one.
However, these are the reasons why I suggested an Ovation. I go on how a guitar feels in my hand and the sound is what you make from it when you play. The "action" on an Ovation is the fastest I've ever played. The strings are mounted closer to the frets, which makes it extremely easy for beginners and women's hands. The neck is the thinnest neck you'll get on any acoustic. Also, the design on the body for the string hook-up makes it the easiest guitar to replace strings on - I mean the "easiest." That is one thing I miss about my old Ovation, is changing strings. The pegs on every other brand are a pain. You can buy a slim-line guitar and its small.
Ovation is so unpopular its a blessing for those who want a nice guitar for cheap. It is not a plastic guitar. It has wood everywhere except on the oval backing.
The main reason I commented that an Ovation would be good is because you say you're a beginner, and it is the easiest guitar to play for a beginner.
Of course, you don't have to take my opinion. Go to the guitar store and just run your hands along the frets and see what I mean about the "quick" action.
I don't want to start an argument. I think you need to try before you buy and these days Ovations are just a steal. When I buy my next guitar, Lord willing, I'm buying an Ovation again.