How do I choose the right electric-acoustic guitar?

Yes. Each of those could be appropriate means depending on how you're going to use it. 

To me, the most important thing is feel and sound.  If you're going to play it plugged in the most, or if you're going to be playing for audiences most, then the sound when plugged in should be very important to you.  If you're going to plug it in sometimes when the mood strikes you, then the sound unplugged should be at least as important if not moreso.  Of utmost importance should be the feel of the guitar.  Can YOU play it comfortably in YOUR style?  If the answer is no, find another.  There's no one right or wrong way to pick a guitar. 

- Zurf

I'll Second all of the above!

  In my mind the guitar is foremost an ACOUSTIC Instrument, and should be held to the same high standards that you give to your other acoustics in the arsenal.  An A/E that sounds bad un-plugged but sounds good amped is a waste of money.... that's why the Guitar God made electric guitars in the first place.  Not that you shouldn't give due consideration to the plugged in feature as well, because the main reason for going that route (IMO) is so you can get more out of it in the venues that require more Oomph.

  Henry is correct about playing as many as you can in your range, and I would add in as many different shops as are available.  Sometimes you will pass on a nice guitar because the shop you played it in had held it on the wall so long that the strings are dead, or it might be poorly set-up, or the place might have such tight quarters and people around that you can't get a good listen to what it is producing due to background noise or cluttered acoustics.

  Don't be in too much of a rush and you will stumble on the "right" guitar for you at a price you'll be happy with.  Shop around and remember you will (hopefully) be friends for a long time.

Take Care;
Doug

Very true advice.  When you try out some (unplugged), notice that some are dark or more bassy and some are bright with more treble notes. The bass emphasis will come from rosewood or large body guitars and the trebles will be more prominent with mahogany and maples, as well as from guitar shapes that are skinny or thin.  Hope noticing this will let you narrow your choices to what your ears like.  Definitely buy one that sounds good unplugged.  And let us know how you do.

Steve

hi walkhrs welcome to chordie,i brought a vintage electro-acoustic,lovely guitar,i play it mostly as an accoustic,sounds great,when i plug in to the amp i get an echo cause you get the electric sound as well as the acoustic,which i'm trying to get used to as it does'nt always match the sound i want,so i'd say try for both options to get the best sound,mine cost 320 pounds....stay cool