internet brokers

[chopchoi]

I'm l;ooking to open an online brokerage account. I've never had a brokerage account before, and am unsure what to look for. I know that a low price per trade and no maintence fees are good, though. Is there anything else I should be looking for?

Also, Scottrade offers a $7 trade and no maint. fee. Are they reputable? Does anyone know of anyone else who is reputable and offers a better price?