(TheForceField.Net ) March 21, 2008 — Sony Corp. now offers to scrub its new laptops clean of bloatware they install – for a fee.
Fresh Start™, a software optimization service offered to customers on Sony's web site, is available as a customization option when purchasing selected Sony TZ series laptops. The service is aimed specifically at business users and is available for purchase only with an upgrade to Microsoft Windows Vista Business, which is costs an additional $100. Fresh Start costs an additional $49.99 and is not available to home users at this time.
The service removes trial versions of software and other "bloatware" from the laptop that is initially installed during the build. According to Sony "your VAIO PC will undergo a system optimization service where specific VAIO applications, trial software and games are removed from your unit prior to shipment. Fresh Start™ safely scrubs your PC to free up valuable hard drive space and conserve memory and processing power while maximizing overall system performance right from the start."
OEM system builders such as Dell, HP and Sony typically load their new PCs with trial or "crippleware" versions of popular software titles, most of which are little more than paid product endorsements that nag consumers to buy the full versions. The presence of such software takes up valuable hard drive space and consumes resources, thereby slowing down performance of the computer, hence the name bloatware.
Consumers often complain about the unwanted bloatware and it is a serious issue for businesseses, particularly those that upgrade systems to improve speed, performance and productivity. For many consumers, purchasing a new computer means one two hours removing the bloatware once they open the box and turn it on the PC for the first time. Some opt to take it to a local shop and pay a technician $65 or more to have the bloatware removed.
Sony will remove it during their Configure-To-Order customization process.