/biz/ - Business & Finance

>be me
>19, in college
>~$500-$1500 to invest
>looking at stocks & trusts
>want to try both short and long trades but think short will be best for situation
>so many brokerages

I am torn between cheap broker with low commission and moderate ones with better research availability. Considering so far: Merrill Edge, Scottrade, E-trade, etc. Which broker would /biz/ advise for my situation? Also for how long would said broker be useful before I need to switch if necessary (like more time & cash to invest)?

Who does /biz/ use as an online investment broker?

I'm a noob looking to invest around 2k. While this would be my first account, I'm about to graduate with a business degree so I have an above average business aptitude. This makes me shy away from those with higher trade rates. Are their research and educational tool worth the extra dough? Tadeking has caught my eye? Any help would be appreciated.