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Friday, March 21, 2008

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Sony: That'll Be $50, Thank You. Wait, We Were Wrong.

- Rob Bushway

The blogosphere has been up in arms today over a report from PC World about Sony charging $50 to remove "crapware". Yep, you got that right - $50 to remove software that would cause your new notebook to run as slow as molasses.

According to Gadget Lab, the noise must have gotten too loud, as Sony had a change of heart.

From Gadget Lab:

Responding to a tidal wave of outrage, Sony has reversed a plan to charge $50 to remove all the pre-installed applications — often derided as "bloatware" or "craplets" — from its high-end TZ-series notebooks.

Earlier today, PC World reported that Sony would charge $50 for a configuration option called "Fresh Start," which would not include the bloatware. When contacted by Gadget Lab, a spokesperson for Sony said that the company will now remove that charge.

"There will be no charge for Fresh Start," said the spokesman.


Friday, March 21, 2008 4:20:18 PM (Mountain Daylight Time, UTC-06:00)
Good news that the web pressure made them see sense. Lets hope other manufacturers see sense.

Just for the record, Sony website says (lets see how long it takes to remove it!)
"Fresh Start™ (removal of specific VAIO® applications, trial software and games) [add $49.99]"

And they don't offer Freshstart if you have Vista Home.
"You must pre-select Microsoft® Windows Vista® Business for this option."
Lets hope they offer this new FREE Freshstart on Vista Home.
Toby
Friday, March 21, 2008 4:23:15 PM (Mountain Daylight Time, UTC-06:00)
"There will be no charge for Fresh Start," said the spokesman.

Translation: "We will discontinue this program as soon as the dust settles and never offer it again on any other machines in any shape, form or fashion!"
Friday, March 21, 2008 6:35:02 PM (Mountain Daylight Time, UTC-06:00)
Go figure that Sony would go and charge for that service. Nice one Sony...
Patrick
Friday, March 21, 2008 7:42:09 PM (Mountain Daylight Time, UTC-06:00)
I wonder what the real cost to Sony is, that the software subsidies pay...
SAM
Friday, March 21, 2008 9:58:06 PM (Mountain Daylight Time, UTC-06:00)
Ah, Sony... why must thou suckest most heinously?
GoodThings2Life
Comments are closed.


       





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