Need some input for a small retail account

Situation:

I want to open a small retail trading account. About $5k-$15k

This is not for daytrading. Short term trades not classified as day trades. Equities and equity options.

Needs:

Good charting
Time and Sales
News
Stable platform
Direct access
Decent comms - cheapest not necc.
IRA account avail. (if I like the firm and want to also transfer my ira)
Financially stable firm.
If they have a stock screener built in - that's a plus.
Decent Customer Service
Order desk in case system goes down.

I'm looking at IB, Cybertrader, Speedtrader...
I'd like to hear from anyone willing to suggest a firm.

Sorry for another broker request thread, but I am new to ET and hope I can get a "new guy" break.

Open to all...

 

IB + Ensign. That's all you need to know.

Now go kick some ass like the old days.

 

Bump.

Oddly enough I'm looking to set up another account for stocks, ETF's, options.

I'd be interested in some one other than IB as I believe customer service is necessary at times (eg platform or internet goes down), and also that the guys not at the top of the ladder like IB will be more competitive and aggressive in making customers happy in order to improve their standing.

Thanks

ST

 

At IB, their $10/month fee is a 2.4%/year loss on a 5K account ...