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.

What's the first think you do when you get a new computer? You spend time trying to figure out how much of the junk preloaded by the manufacturer is worth keeping and how much you can throw away. Every now and again you'll get something useful like an antivirus program or software for managing your display settings. But just as often, you get demos of applications you have no plans to pay for.

Sony is offering some customer a chance to remove all of that promotional software (often referred to as crapware). But here's the dirty little secret - Sony and other computer makers are including that software for a reason. They get kickbacks from software companies. So Sony will charge you an extra $50 to remove the software. You have to select "Fresh Start" while you're configuring your PC to do this.

Currently, the only Sony model with the Fresh Start option is the TZ2000 line of laptops. And in order to qualify, you have to upgrade from Windwos Vista Home Premium to Windows Vista Business, which will tack $100 to your price. So really, Sony is charging users who want a crapware free system as much as $150. Classy.

Of course, you can also just buy your new PC preloaded with applications you don't need and use the free PC Decrapifier to remove all the unnecessary bloat.

Update: Sony has dropped the $50 fee.

[via Engadget]