Speed Download 4.0.1
Yazsoft
Price: $25 (free trial; upgrade/switcher pricing available)
Pros: Fast transfers, manages downloads from multiple browsers; now a universal binary with smart folders; improved FTP and iDisk integration.
Cons: No integration with system file sharing or peer-to-peer networks and some cluttered dialogs.
by Gerrit Dalman
Speed Download 4 is significant upgrade to the most popular download manager for the Mac. As ever, Speed Download sits between your browser and your desktop, managing all, some, or none of your downloads as you choose.
This is handy for those who embrace a digital life-style because your average web browser doesn't offer many features for managing the myriad demos and large video files that broadband internet has made available to all.
The main window displays every detail about incoming files and more tools for handling them than you will find in any browser. Files can be neatly organized using folders and smart folders that work just like playlists in iTunes.
Behind the front-end, all files are made neatly accessible in the Finder. Rather than spilling them all over your Desktop, Speed Download directs them to user-defined locations based on file type. This is functional as well as convenient. For example, it can pass all your videos to the 'Movies' folder so Front Row can find them without any input from you. Further integration with iTunes will automatically import any music you gather for immediate syncing with your iPod.
In addition to one-way transfers you can execute fast and secure file transfers with other Speed Download users whether they are in the next room or overseas. Unfortunately there is some setup required and no integration with normal system file sharing. Still, remote terminal access and sophisticated scheduling features make Speed Download very useful for collaboration.
Long a strong product, this version packs a new unified interface on top of a universal binary with speed boosts on all platforms. It’s also a fully-functional FTP client and provides convenient access to .mac iDisks as well.
While Speed Download 4 may not be a tempting upgrade if you don't use FTP often, it is an even more useful assistant than ever for those without a download manager. So if you transfer a lot of files locally or over the internet grab a copy of the free trial and give it a spin!
System Requirements:
* Mac OS X 10.4.6 or later
* A web browser and internet connection
* Universal binary