I've been using TradeStation for a month now.
- Great charting
- Matrix is awkward for entering orders in a moving market but is great for changing orders or entering in slower market. You can move your stop just by dragging the order to the new stop. Also, matrix makes it very simple and quick to close positions, cancel orders etc.
- Commission structure is great for testing new strategies at small levels. 100 shares round trip is $2. Above 1,000 shares commissions become much more than competition.
- Have not had a problem with data feed at all (equities). I have 2 gb ram, 3 ghz dual core processor.
- TradeStation back office/admin lacks sophistication. Can't open account on line, very buraucratic rules about transferring money in and out of account, doesn't track your monthly volume to determine qualification for next month free (you have to track it yourself or call them). They need to apply the same sophistication to their admin that they do to their platform or get acquired by someone more sophisticated.
- Interest rate on free cash should be near the bottom of selection criteria. If you're making trading returns, as opposed to investment returns, the difference between 1% and 5% annual interest rate is insignificant.