Sony Removes "No Bloatware" Fee - But Not Really

You may recall that I wrote previously about Sony's "No Bloatware" fee, which was slated to be $50. They've since, after an explosion of bad publicity, rescinded that fee. However, as I said in my prior post, in order to get the "Fresh Start" option and no bloatware, you had to select Windows Vista Business, a $100 option. To me, this meant the original price for "Fresh Start" was $150. The requirement for "Fresh Start" still includes Windows Vista Business, so now it seems the price remains a ridiculous $100 for garbage most people don't want.

Sony is only offering this option on the VGN-TZ2000 and VGN-TX2500 laptops, and as I said - and as you can see in the configuration screenshot above (click to enlarge) - you still have to upgrade your OS. Most sites and blogs however, are cheering over this so-called consumer victory, but why should anyone have to upgrade their OS at all? This should be a no-charge option for all systems.

It also makes me wonder if this was planned all along. I mean, Sony is getting a lot of good PR over this move of theirs, while in reality they still require you to up your configuration by $100. While it's true that some would probably opt for Vista Biz anyway, quite a few would probably opt to stick with Home Premium, which is a fine option for many.

Of course, that would require me to imagine that a corporation might have a somewhat shady reason for doing things - to possibly increase their bottom line. Nah, right?

I also understand that OEMs make $$$ off all the bloatware they install, and that by removing it they lose that money, but since corporations make tons off consumers, I really don't feel much sympathy for them.

I'll admit, it's nice to see a "no bloatware" option, but it should really be an option on all systems and all OSes, not limited to those who upgrade their OS. For now, I still give Sony a failing grade.