By semi-acoustic are you talking about one with f-holes? I'd go for that one. Are you buying American or Mexican? I like the natural wood finish... what were you thinking of getting? EDIT: I thought you were talking about a Semi-Acoustic Telecaster, but I see it is more of an ES style.
I've got a Me'h'ican Tele, off white with cream pickguard - someday would like to put tortoiseshell on it.
Also got 4 epiphone guitars - an acoustic AJ200s, two LP classic plus' (one gold, one heritage cherry sunburst), and a doubleneck.
I've also got an Intex Les Paul Custom (blonde finish), horrible name, amazing guitar - probably the best no-name guitar out there for $300. If it had Gibson on it it would easily be $3000.
My latest guitar is the best - a Cole Clark FL2A (Tasmanian Blackwood sides/back, Bunya top, block inlays... amazing).