Download Accelerator Plus 10.0.3

CNET Editors' review

by: Jaymar Cabebe on May 28, 2012

Just as in previous versions, Download Accelerator Plus 10 (free) boosts your download speeds by breaking files into smaller pieces, connecting to and downloading from multiple sources simultaneously, and even seeking out faster mirrors. What's different with this newest version, though, is the more streamlined engine that now offers features in the form of "add-ons." This means you can supplement your boosted download speeds (200 to 400 percent faster in many cases) with only the additional features that you want.

One of the most useful add-ons that you can enable in version 10 is DAPsters. If you download files from RapidShare.com or similar sites, this feature will come in handy. Basically, it minimizes the annoying pages that usually precede downloads on those popular file-transfer sites and fast-tracks you to the CAPTCHA step (if there is one).

Another great add-on is the Link Checker, which identifies valid and invalid download links before you actually hit the download button. It shows a small icon next to valid links on download pages, so you don't have to waste time trying out all of the different download sources.

Other add-ons include a Media Preview, Zip Preview, Internet Browser, and Video Downloader & Converter. I didn't see an FTP client, though, which was available in previous versions. Also available is a SPEEDbit Video Accelerator, which is offered as a bundled download during setup. Not only that, DAP 10 serves up quite a few annoying pop-up messages encouraging you to download and install it. I tried this feature and was less than impressed. I didn't notice much of a boost, and found the Video Acceleration status window intrusive.

Overall, I found DAP 10 to be extremely adept at performing its core function of accelerating downloads. I noticed the boosts consistently. It's also nice that version 10 lets you customize your experience by adding on only the features that you want. This add-on platform also bodes well for the future, as SPEEDbit is openly asking developers to create new offerings for their program.

Publisher's Description

From Speedbit:

Download Accelerator Plus (DAP) 10 is Speedbit's fastest and most comprehensive download accelerator to date. Redesigned and rebuilt from top to bottom, the new DAP 10 platform consists of the core DAP acceleration engine, now streamlined and optimized for powerful efficiency and ease of use. DAP is an essential tool, relying on its advanced patented technology, for fast performance and download acceleration. DAP 10 takes the core DAP acceleration technology to the next level, with a wide range of new and existing tools for downloads and videos. Most of the features are carried as add-ons, enabling users to customize their download experience by choosing only those that suit their online needs.

What's new in this version:

DAP Link Checker lets you know if a download link on any webpage is valid before you try to download it and without having to leave the page. It will give you all the information about the file you want to download, before you download it! This feature is especially helpful when downloading from hosting sites, because DAP Link Checker lets you know right from the download link, if the download is broken or if the file has been removed or expired.
DAPsters are a unique solution t... See all new features