tips for getting a sharper image?
 

anyone have tips on how to get a sharper image?

Also, what kind of shutter speeds should I stick to in order to have sharp images w/o the use of tripods?

Sometimes there is no way to shoot without a tripod. Especially in dark/night conditions. You can always bump up your ISO and adjust the shutter speed accordingly. It also depends what kind of lenses you're using and such. What camera do you have?

faster shutterspeed (avoids camera shake)
lower ISO (cleaner pics)
higher f-stop (better use of the better part of the lens)
good lenses (better quality glass)
properly focused subjects (self explanatory)

pretty much any of the above will give you a better chance of getting sharper pics, but you'll have to adjust each according to the situation.

It would be nice if you could give us an example of what kinda situation you'll be putting yourself in. Then we could weight the pros and cons of changing the available parameters.

shoot between f/8 - f/16
shoot with a tripod
try mirror lock up
faster shutter speeds
learn to shoot properly (how to hold the camera, breath, etc)

exhale before taking the picture

pHotoshop->sharpen :D

oh i forgot to mention.. shoot with a remote shutter release or with the self-timer

I say the best way to take the sharpest picture is to take one with lots of lighting (ie similar to daylight).

Remember, if there is lots of light coming into the lens, you can use very fast shutter speed.