Semi Acoustic Bass?

Most hollow and semi-hollow electric basses can be used just like any other electric bass. They sound different, but aren't much different functionally. For example, some, like my DiPinto Belvedere and the Epiphone Jack Casady, can sound very much like a Precision.

But the one you posted is different, because it uses a piezo pickup, which is intended to make it sound like a purely acoustic instrument. It's cool, and might be exactly what you want. But if you want a conventional electric bass tone, you need something else. I believe Italia makes something similar with regular magnetic pickups.

Edit: I looked around on that site with the Italia, and have some recommendations. First, I'd stay away from that model and its equivalent with conventional pickups, even though the latter probably sounds great. They have a full 34" scale, but the upper strap button is around the 16th fret. That creates a long reach to first position when standing. If you have long arms, this might not be a problem, but my DiPinto is like this and it bugs me. So, for around the same price, look at the Fender Standard Precision and Jazz basses. They'll cover just about anything, and when you're starting out I think a "no doubt about it" bass is the best approach.