Sony’s “Fresh Start” rip-off, the $50 option to have less installed

Posted March 21, 2008 at 05:56 PM by Natesh Sood

Section: Computers, Desktops, Laptops

Whenever you buy a new desktop or laptop, don’t you find it frustrating when the manufacturer loads it with useless programs that you’re never gonna even use? I find it really frustrating how they just put whatever programs they feel like on it. Good news here is that Sony is now giving you an option to get a computer free of the junk. They will not put any those trial type programs on it in an effort to “free up valuable hard drive space and conserve memory and processing power while maximizing overall system performance right from the start.” So far, sounds good right? However, Sony had to throw in something to help them out.

This is not coming for free, Sony has decided that to have those programs not included is worth $50. So in addition to the cost of the computer, you can now pay a $50 ‘tax’ for them to install less on your computer. Way to go Sony. One last thing, this service is called “Fresh Start” and it simply removes (or does not install in the first place) some specific Vaio applications along with some trial software and games.

The “Fresh Start” option also requires the pre-selection of Windows Vista Business, which is also a $100 upgrade over the standard Vista Home Premium. Thanks a lot Sony, charge me $50 to remove junk and then make me also get a more expensive version of Vista.

Via [Oh Gizmo!]