Broker and Datafeed questions for manual trader

Hi,

Im looking to start trading futures and im trying to choose a broker so i can setup a demo account and get use to the platform. Atm im looking at IB and ThinkorSwim. Thinkorswim because of tastytrades and IB because its well known even though it does have some regulatory actions on the NFA website. Im also not looking to develop automated systems, therefore i dont need an API so i can collect tick data etc. Im looking to trade manually and very infrequently.

Re: Setup
Ive seen on the forum that alot of people have the following setup:

Charting package + Broker + Data feed

I can understand getting a charting package if you dont like the one supplied by your broker, but im not sure i follow the data feed requirement. For example, if IB is your broker, then why would you not use their prices, as that's what you get filled on?


Re Commissions:

Thinkorswim = $2.25/contract + exchange and regulatory fees
IB = $0.85/contract + exchange and regulatory fees

why is there such a large difference as im assuming the exchange and regulatory fees are the same for both?

Re Newsfeeds:

Do you know if there is any difference in the news feeds?

Re Market Depth:

Does anyone know if they both offer this?

If anyone has any comments regarding if Thinkorswim or IB would be better suits to they type of trading im looking to do i would appreciate it. I see BigMike uses IB so thats already a vote in their favor.

Thanks for your time.