I have just begun playing and was talked into a classical acoustic by a salesman who said it would be the "best to learn on".

IT IS NOT EASIER TO LEARN ON A NYLON STRING (CLASSICAL) GUITAR

Sure, the strings have lower tension and "hurt your fingers less" at first. But that's only the first couple of weeks, as you build up callus on your fingertips.

Most nylon string guitars have much wider necks than steel, so chord positions are harder to reach unless you're into strict classical technique.

You should start out on the kind of guitar that's used for the music you'll be playing. Then, as you learn, you'll be making the sounds that you enjoy. You'll be getting the reinforcement that helps you enjoy the learning process.

A healthy steel string guitar can be "set up" with VERY easy, low action and extra-light steel strings. In my opinion, a guitar set up like this will be easier to play than the nylon, and, of course, will give you the sound you're looking for.

This advice has been precised slightly from http://www.frets.com/

I would personally extend this advice as to whether to learn on an acoustic or electric guitar. The electric guitars sold in beginners packages are often very well engineered and are much better instruments than entry level acoustic guitars. If your interest is in electric guitar music the extra money spent is more than worth it.

This site is full of lutherie tips with great repair and maintenance information.
It does discuss pickup installations, but as with everything else on this site, in the context of acoustic instruments.