There is definitely a big difference in the neck. Not just the width, but the "texture." the wood on the necks of the 200's is rougher, or "pitted" for the lack of a better term, and the 300's are smoother.
If you look around you can get a used 300 series for the same price as a new 200 series. If electronics aren't your thing, just skip it and add your own later if you change your mind.
While some may downplay the importance of looks/figuring of the wood, it's probably safe to say that you'll notice more of a difference in the appearance of a guitar than you will in the tone of two of the same model guitar. In other words, the wood may look a lot different but the sound may not be.