re: Best Online low-fee DIY Investing Site?

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I don't want to be hardcore. Just want to have some money that I can afford to lose play with to keep me interested & learn more about investing. I don't intend to get into anything too complicated.

I prefer a functional, but simple, platform/interface.

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You want TD or E-Trade based on you comments above. IB, OE and some others have low fees and direct access, but the low fees are based on a certain level of activity. I have an e-trade account also. They dropped my commission to 7.99. It is really good for a lot of things I do. When I trade pennies, or trade volume and need quick execution and direct routing access, I wouldn't use anything but a direct access platform, and I don't. Same with options.

Also, if you're going to have a margin account, some other factors would be if they figure your margin based on portfolio, or individually. Interest rate? If there is either a house call, or Fed call, how many days do they give you, etc.

If you get serious, you can graduate out of e-trade or TD Ameritrade. Brokers will pay your fees incurred for transferring your account.