Sunbeltblog comments
In other words, they’re charging $50 to ^not^ crapify your computer.
oh, right... i'll fix that 
Besides the fact that NONE of their TV's or accessories (DVD players, etc.) are "universally" compatible with the rest of the world, Thank You for the interesting note about their PC's.
... Oh yeah, don't forget a few years back when they introduced their version of DRM to anybody's PC who played one of their CD's... VIA PLANTING A ROOTKIT ON THE PC. And thanks to Symantec, too, who didn't/wouldn't detect the rootkit, BECAUSE SONY ASKED THEM NOT TO.
[End of rant.]
Actually, I heard they were backing down from their plan and the option will be free starting tomorrow.
Like I always say, all it takes is for Alex to write about it and companies see the error of their ways.
Bill
Bill, I wish that were true
I've always disliked Sony ever since that DRM rootkit ordeal where they never admitted wrongdoing.
Somebody isn't thinking right over there.
I was under the impression that vendors paid to be included on new computer installs of the major manufacturers. So, it makes some sense that you would pay extra if you didn't have the software (that helps pay for your computer) installed. I always hated that it was that way, but I assumed Dell/HP/Sony/etc got $ for installing their software.
Bravo to Sony (did I just type that...I feel dirty) if they decide to offer than option for free. (I'm guessing they make that option less than convenient and/or desirable.)
FYI, Dell offers their Vostro line of small business computers with NO trialware and damn little of any other software (other than the Dell crap you don't want) installed. I have installed several of these computers and they are a dream setup and get going, IMO.
Looks like they've dropped the charge:
Sony drops its $49 “no crapware” fee | Ed Bott’s Microsoft Report | ZDNet.com
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=404
Sony realizes $50 crapware removal fee is, well, total crap
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/...total-
crap.html
According to the second story, Dell realizes up to $60/computer for the trialware/crapware. This story also says 'A spokesperson said that "Fresh Start" will be a "no charge" option for some laptops. "Fresh Start" will not be available on all computers ordered from Sony, however.'
Well, the Michael Dell quote confirms my suspicion. Crapware subsidizes computer sales. If computer vendors made that more clear, it might be a little more acceptable.
"Computer X" is $800. If you accept trialware from vendors you can have it for $750." I could live with that.
Instead, they, often, try to make it appear as if the junk on your computer has some actual value, That's what pisses me off.
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