Good luck with the guitar hunt.
There is a fundamental difference between single coil and humbucker pickups regards the tone they produce. If you go on wiki and read up on them, it`ll explain why...
This youtube video is pretty good for basic advice too...
YouTube - Strat Vs. Les Paul-style PRS
If you are still bamboozled by al this, i`d go into a good music shop
(with a solemn pact with the devil that you will NOT buy anything on impulse) and try some axes that are within your budget.
Don`t forget the Amp you use makes a massive difference to the overall tone you get too! I`d recommend getting a terrific Clean channel valve Amp and then using good effects units to add distortion (if thats your thing).... the possibilities are endless, and whilst its confusing, its all part of the fun too. Enjoy the HUNT!