Haven't looked at how historical data would work (I just use TC2000 EOD), but a cheap and easy solution to realtime quote snapshots is to use QuoteTracker with Money.net as the provider.
QT is free and has a simple HTTP local server setup. Money.net will cost you $12/month.
That being...
I use my IB key all the time. Yeah it's kind of a pain sometimes. You have to use it even if you are just checking transaction status and not transferring money.
Mine was free, but I think it costs $150 for smaller accounts. Worth it tho. Too many times we have seen people's money...
"Plan your trade and plan to trade"
No, that's not right...
"Plan your trade and trade in your pan"
No wait, I'll get it...
"Plain traders trade planes"
Wait, I know...
"Plains traders plan properly"
Darn... :(