Complain and you shall receive: Sony drops $50 anti-crapware fee

by Brad Linder Mar 21st 2008

Earlier today we reported that Sony was going to charge customers $50 to remove crapware like trial software, anti-virus applications, and other software that you probably didn't want anyway from its TZ2000 line of laptop computers. While it might sound funny that you're expected to pay money to receive less software, there's a pretty simple explanation: Software companies pay computer makers to add a bunch of junk you never asked for to your PC. So Sony wanted to offer a bloat-free option, but planned to make up the lost revenue by charging consumers.

But a funny thing happened today. A ton of tech sites started reporting on the move, and for the most part, bloggers, readers, and commentors didn't have pleasant things to say. And now Wired reports that Sony has changed its plans and will offer the "Fresh Start" option to TZ2000 customers free of charge.

Now, don't get too excited about this. Customers will still need to upgrade from Windows Vista Home Premium to Windows Vista Business to qualify for Fresh Start, which means you'll still have to pay an extra $100 (although you will get some additional Windows Vista features). And the TZ2000 line of computers don't exactly come cheap. The laptop computers start at $1900. We don't expect to see a budget line with a free "Fresh Start" option offered anytime soon.

Tags: crapware, fresh-start, sony

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Todd said 6:19PM on 3-21-2008

We Consumers RULE!!!!!!!!!! Thank you to everyone that pitched a bitch at Sony.

P.S. AT&T you're next!

Dave A. said 10:00AM on 3-22-2008

Right, so instead of paying $50 for Fresh Start, you have to pay $100 to get Vista Business instead.

Go you.

michael said 10:02AM on 3-22-2008

Agreed with Dave A.

Junkware is just installed to make the computer more affordable. It's not exactly the nicest way, but it beats the heck of making the consumer pay up front. What takes a few minutes to decrapify junkware, isn't as much as taking time to earn a buck.

So Sony thought some customers wanted to avoid junkware altogether, and buy the computer as it is with the option called "Fresh Start". Instead, I think Sony should have just included the price without naming a reason why. That way people see no bloatware, but lose some extra bucks without having to see the reason why.

But now instead, average users who don't need Business, will have to spring for it to get Fresh Start free. Wow. Much worse.

Brian said 8:24PM on 3-21-2008

Well that would be great if I wanted to actually use Windows Vista. I still prefer XP. It would be real nice if I could get the option in XP Pro.

rudelerius said 1:34PM on 3-22-2008

How exactly is moving from Vista Home Premium to Vista Business an upgrage? Don't you lose Media Center functionality altogether with that move? Sounds like a $100 downgrade to me.

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