for steam downloaders (or anyone who regularly downloads large files NOT via torrent networks) try free download manager :
Free Download Manager | Download
it splits it up inot 20 pieces or so and downloads them all at once, speeding up your downloads. its 100% legal too.
not sure if it will work with steam mind, worth a shot though. i get DL's up to 725kn/s with it
that about an 15 minutes per 700 mb
got the box, finished portal, half way through HL ep2.
portal is the shit, "the cake is a lie" and all that jazz.
its crazy playing portal thens eeing 'aperture science' equipment throughout HL2 ep2.