It all depends on what you have to spend. I was fortunate enough to go to Guitar Center here in Columbus during there way-huge-uber-mega sale this past christmas and could demand some pretty good deals by offering to pay cash on the spot. That's a perk of saving up for a while
I have a Martin Alternative-X. It's got a brushed aluminum top and I think it looks very cool, in fact thats what everyone else says too. Talking to one of the salesmen whos a friend (works in electronics, not guitars) the 'Metal Martins' don't move well for some reason. I love the sound, and it's got Fishman electronics installed with all the adjustments you'd want. Retail price...$800+case usually. It's a good guitar, slim line guitar that plays well and has the quality that comes with the name Martin. I payed in the ballpark of $650 with a case...which I think is less than what Guitar Center paid for it, from what I saw in their computers.
Now, I had also fallen in love with a little black Takamine. I don't recall the make and model but it sounded fantastic both acoustic and plugged into the sound room. I liked the designs around the soundhole and the electronics were good as well.
Between the two I was back and forth all morning and into the afternoon, but decided on the Martin. Some folks have heard of the new model, but even some experienced players and even other Martin owners havent heard of the new guitar and its an attention getter...which is getting annoying. Has yet to get me a girl though...damnit
The Takamine with a case was set to be around $500-550 during their wicked-mega-huge sale, by the way. You may want to go to a local shop, and order from MusiciansFriend.com. I order all my guitar string from there and get Martin SP for my acoustics and Ernie Ball Slinkies for my electric for less than they charge at the store...after shipping! All told I order 10 sets, 5 of each every 3 months or so and it costs me about $45 for the total bill. Don't even have to drive anywhere to pick them up
