Selecting a Brokerage account

The Wall Street Journal had a nice article on Opening Your First Investment Account.

• Don't just open your account with anyone offering you a free IPOD.
  Although free IPOD's are great, its not necessarily in your best interest.
  
• Figure out how much hand-holding you require.
  Do you need to go full-service[full commission] or discount brokerage?
  
• Will you be buying securities or mutual funds?
  Most brokerages charge different amounts for these and some are cheaper for one while being more expensive for the other.
  
• Are there account minimums or extras for opening an account?
  Basically look for junk fees.
  

Here are some related posts:

• Why your stock broker will always be richer than you.
  
• Bank of America Investment Accounts
  
• Discount brokerage offering $100