Rob,
I did the same thing about 6 months ago. I had always wanted to learn guitar, and decided it was time (36....why didn't I do it when I was 16 ?!?!?!).
I started on the acoustic, but got somewhat frustrated at how difficult it was. I picked up a cheap Epiphone SG and found it much easier to learn on the electric. When I came back to the acoustic, I realized just how bad the strings were. It sounds like you have already addressed this. I would HIGHLY recommend the Elixir Polyweb strings. I put on a .10 set and was thrilled. I am back on the acoustic and loving it. The coating on the strings makes things much easier on the fingers. The only downside is the tone is a bit 'bright', and you may need to adjust the action a bit to keep from getting buzzes.
As for amp, I would recommend this:
http://www.roland.com/products/en/Micro-CUBE/specs.html
I picked one up for about $100. Great little amp. Built in effects. A few stack models. It also has an out for easy recording. Its a tough little bugger too, and it comes with a handle, so the kids can drag it around and it can take it.
One last thing, I bought 2 posters. One has all the common cords, the other all the scales. They show both the tab as well as a picture of a persons hand holding the chord. I found it much easier to simply glance up at the posters when I was looking for a note or a chord. I bought them at Guitar Center, but the posters are published by Hall Leornard.
http://www.halleonard.com