You are looking at a $500 price difference between these guitars from what I have gathered. Honestly, you can find a Taylor or Martin for that price which I would highly recommend. I have not had much experience with Epiphone, but I have with Taylor and Martin and you can get a perfectly good acoustic/electric for those prices, not to mention what you could find used.

If you feel that the Epiphone is right for you; my best advice is to make sure you play them all and than decide. Those are all solid wood instruments which really you can't go wrong with. I would say though, you are paying that $500 more dollars for a thinner body and some inlay. I would go with the cheaper as that larger more dreadnought body would better suite you and is has all the necessary elements you need.

Good luck!