I've only used it to download the ME3 demo, it maxed out my internet connection so I guess in that regard it's "as good" as Steam, but I haven't tried to use it for anything else as I'm not really a fan of having to split up my purchases over multiple services. Won't have a choice if I want to play ME3 though (well, a legal choice anyway)
so you can't play EA games without Origin?
but you can play Valve games without Steam, if you are so inclined, right?