Manda, I don't think the electric will be easier on your fingers, but it might be easier on the rest of your hand muscles and reduce fatigue. Unfortunately, the fingers take time. Don't play so much at a time in the beginning. An hour a day maybe and they will toughen up a bit before you forget about it. I like my finger calluses. They make me think of the guitar while I type at work. ;)

Think of all those women guitarists who rock out and have gone through the same pain. Nancy Wilson, Sheryl Crowe, Chrissie Hynde...

If you haven't yet, try Lisa McCormick's Spider Legs exercises...They are great.

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=621