BACKGROUND:

Everyone loves download helpers.  For instance, I use ReGet Deluxe,
which, when downloading a file, uses multiple threads and can deal
with starts/stops/disconnects resulting in: FASTER downloads, and
perfect reliability that the file will (eventually) get downloaded.

THE PROBLEM:

I have a really slow connection.  Seriously.  1-3 kb/s IF it's
working. No kidding. With ReGet Deluxe, I can start a file download
and, while it might take a while, it WILL get downloaded, and much
faster than by the usual method (no ReGet).  But if only my browser
(currently IE) were so smart.  Instead, I click on a link or try to
open a URL, it churns and churns and churns.  Sometimes I'm lucky, and
it eventually opens.  But sometimes it churns for a while and then I
get the dreaded "File Not Found" page. For instance, trying to log in
to Google Answers took 5 tries and about 10 minutes, with three "File
Not Found" pages that I had to go back and try again.  It's an
exercise in futility.

WHAT I WANT:

There has GOT to be a program, browser, or plug-in that features web
browsing functionality like ReGet (or other file downloaders) does
with downloads.  I mean, a webpage is just a file, so why not?  I know
most of you lucky suckers have fast connections so you don't care, but
I do!  Find me that program, browser, or plug in, and make me a happy
guy.  Faster downloads of webpages (via multiple threads) and reliable
connections (keeps trying and trying, even through dead internet
connections).

Hey, I'd surf for the answer myself, but my connection's too slow! 
Help!

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Request for Question Clarification by mvguy-ga on 10 Oct 2003 10:37 PDT

Would you consider an offline browser?  This is a tool that is
designed to download a web site to your hard drive so you can view it
later. Most of them are multithreaded and some can re-retrieve pages
that are unsuccessfully downloaded.  Most of them, however, don't let
you view sites (or view them efficiently) until they're downloaded.

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Request for Question Clarification by sublime1-ga on 11 Oct 2003 01:20 PDT

ken3141...

It might be possible to improve your speed by increasing the 
maximum number of connections, by way of the registry. The
reason I say 'might' is because the entry I'm thinking of is
for max connections for downloads, and may not make a difference
in loading web pages during regular browsing. What version of
Windows are you using?

If you're using Windows, you basically have two other choices: Opera
and Mozilla/Firebird. Neither of them offers what you're looking for.
However, Opera gives you the option of displaying pages without
downloading images. This might make it easier for you to get pages to
finish loading. I'd suggest at least trying those other browsers and
see if they can help you somewhat.
http://www.mozilla.org/products/firebird/
http://www.opera.com