Well I bought the boxed version coz I like the security and extras, and I downloaded the game through Stardock Central. I didn' like that program much as it wouldn't accept my serial code...until I realised I had to tell it the serial code was for Sins of a Solar Empire and not something else. *ahem*
Anyways, it took just over an hour to download, averaging at the 575-625kb/s mark. God I love fast servers.
According to paypal, the whole cost of Sins was £36.27. I'll let you know how much the extra charge is - if I have to pay it. I've got two of my friends interested in the game as well now, so they might be getting it soon too.
I've won my first game against the AI as well. Only one enemy and a small map, but it took 4 hours and 19 minutes. Big maps and more empires is gonna be fun...