Sony, in their infinite wisdom, is offering a way to remove all of the crapware and “extras” they stuff onto their PCs and notebooks. It’s called Fresh Start and, like a douche, it costs money (namely $50) and basically blows bubbles up your jacksy.
I found the option on the VGN-TZ2000 Configure-to-Order Vaio TZ and it also requires Windows Vista Business, sort of a “proof of serious work” insurance that Sony requires because they are assholes. When I was testing laptops full time we used to have to remove all the Sony crapware before we could even run most of the benchmarks. This proves proves that out of the box Sony’s products are a mess and, to add insult to injury and for the low, low additional price of $50 you, too, can get a working Sony laptop.
[snark]
What? You expected Sony to sell you working software WITH working hardware at the same time?
[/snark]
This is the same company who loves their proprietary formats and their rootkit killing music CD’s. John, you’re totally right with the last line, mang. It’s a shame they charge you to not be an ass to their own customer. I wonder how long the charge will last?
I wonder if The PC Decrapifier will do it for free?
http://pcdecrapifier.com/
My Vaio was loaded with crap and I still find myself finding a program that I don’t recognize. Charging for this is a bad move, but not as shady as making Vista Business manditory. That’s where the real money is being made.