Hi Marc
I play an Ovation 1667 Legend cutaway I purchased new back in the 80's with my income tax refund.
It was either that or fix my Volkswagen. The Bug lost.

It has an electric pickup (volume and base/treble no EQ), a rounded "Lyrachord/composite" back and seems to stay in tune forever.
Really great ringing sound reminding me of some of Crosby Stills Nash and Young songs.

Here's a photo at my website: http://www.carlkocich.com/MyMusicStudio.html

The rounded back does tend to want to slide out a bit when seated if your leg is slanted down and depending on how slick your pants material is.

They have a textured area in the curve to help with this but without a foot rest to bring your leg up to horizontal it can be annoying.
Maybe they have addressed this in the newer models.
A strap can also be used .

Otherwise it's very comfortable to play without the sharp edges of a traditional guitar and the sound is excellent, in my opinion.

Not everyone's cup of bourbon but worth trying out.

Saw a few used advertised but at the top of your price range, however with the economy the way it is, you may find a good deal in the classifieds as most musicians are always needing to sell something to get something else.

Good luck on whatever you decide.
Carkins