hi there noellyn,Can you help me. If I am to get the full...

hi there noellyn,
Can you help me. If I am to get the full benefit of both the divi and price, do I have to hold straight after the ex-divi date up to the record date or can I sell at commencement of trading on the day after ex-divi date and buy back in when the price drops?
EG: Say the company announces the following dates...
ex-divi - 1/1/2011.
record date - 5/1/2011
Payment date - 31/1/2011

Can I sell on the 2/1/2011 and still be entitled to the divi? or do I have to wait till the 6/1/2011to sell?