Sony is giving "Fresh Start" a fresh start, losing the $50 fee

After a minor outcry at Sony's new "Fresh Start" option to skip the crapware on TZ laptops for a hefty $50 charge, the company has seen the error of its ways and is going to start offering the option for free as of tomorrow. Sure, it would've been nice to have it like that from the start, and there's no word yet if there will be refunds for those who did fork over the $50, but we got the impression from the Sony spokesperson who spoke to us that Sony Japan was just as surprised as we about the charge, and quickly asked for it to be removed. We're still waiting for word as to whether this option will hit other VAIOs, but we're cautiously optimistic.

[sinai @ Mar 21st 2008 7:41PM]

who do you think you are, sony? Apple?>

[massive_98 @ Mar 21st 2008 7:43PM]

As long as the programs can be removed easily then I don't mind seeing them there. But kudos to Sony for doing this for free. But now I have a related experience for you about why I hate HP laptops.

1. Bought a nice HP laptop on a bright cheery day
2. Removed all the shit that came with it except for one program, Vongo (because I couldn't)
3. I looked for an uninstal vongo icon in the start menu, no luck.
4. Curious to see what it is, I click on it. Doesn't work.
5. Try to remove it via remove programs. Fails.
6. Try to visit the website, blocks me out because I'm Canadian.
7. The fucking program only works in America and I couldn't get it off my computer.

I'm incredibly pissed off that HP would put a program on my computer that doesn't work in Canada, and can't be removed. Oh I almost forgot the best part, HP charges 20 bucks to remove that one program.

Please don't buy HP lappies if you can avoid it.

[ocellnuri @ Mar 21st 2008 8:04PM]

Everyone that's saying that they just changed the wording, the screenshot at the top of this story is the same screenshot from the original story, it does not reflect the new policy that will be in effect tomorrow.

[umm....hello??? @ Mar 21st 2008 8:07PM]

thanks Sony, but I'm all too happy with my Toshiba laptop--minimal bloatware and a fine computer that's not overpriced just because of the brandname...

[Chris @ Mar 21st 2008 8:48PM]

I think it was just common sense that made them remove the fee. Or maybe
it was an intelligence test, if you failed you got the tech support number in India
printed on your new computers manual.

All their computers are overpriced to begin with so who would add insult to injury and
pay to have crap-ware removed from their new computer? And for another $25we can
have the UPS man that delivers your computer give you a swift kick in the balls.

[tiuk @ Mar 21st 2008 8:59PM]

Proof that the only way to get anywhere in this world is to speak up.

[hotwings1 @ Mar 21st 2008 9:03PM]

It's nice to know that a big corporation like Sony still pays attention to its customers and understands our general reactions this quickly.

[James @ Mar 22nd 2008 5:40AM]

What no-one seems to be talking about is that you can only use Fresh Start on Vista Business, so they're sticking you for $100 anyway...

[Mr. Picklesworth @ Mar 22nd 2008 12:13PM]

So, basically, software companies are /paying people/ to use their crap?

Nice market you've got there...

[Mr. Picklesworth @ Mar 22nd 2008 12:16PM]

Paying them for a mere 60 or so days of using their software, too, I might add. Usually, when salespeople start doing that they realize it's time to reconsider their direction...

[LastDitch @ Mar 22nd 2008 12:35PM]

All I can say is lol......

[anodynewake @ Mar 22nd 2008 2:15PM]

I'm still not satisfied... calling it a 'fresh start' and making the default "filled with junk software" is misleading and confusing. Again, a fresh start implies that something was incorrect, broken and needed a "fresh start" to correct. I don't know about you, but I think of a criminal who got a second chance at leading a normal life as a model of a "fresh start".

The default should be "Clean", and you should receive a $50 rebate for choosing to add that software. That seems more honest and fair to me.

[Alan Pugh @ Mar 22nd 2008 9:38PM]

I'm sorry that everyone thinks this is just some freebie for Sony. They're offering a fresh PC without affecting their bottom line, by passing the additional costs onto the consumer and making it an option. Instead of being applauded for this bold move that no other company has taken, they are ATTACKED??! The tech enthusiasts sure are a bunch of self-righteous jerks.

Bravo to Sony for providing the option, jeers to the consumers for complaining about it, and jeers again to Sony for giving in. This is a premium service and it's worth the fifty bucks, especially considering they are losing that much by doing this.

[phiber_optik @ Mar 23rd 2008 4:44AM]

For those that decry Sony for being a hypocritical company, this may actually be a genius move. I know you may think "How is that possible?", but I'll explain why and then you can begin ripping me apart.

First, Sony is not doing well. You can find this out on your own. What to do? "Hey, let's get huge amounts of publicity by playing the 'Heartless Corporation' card, then backpedal and give the consumers what they want."

By putting the "Fresh Start" option on their site and leaving it on there just long enough, many writers and blogs will see this "injustice" and report on it. Once the outrage has spread like wildfire, Sony puts out a press release.

Sony now tells us that they made a mistake, and will begin to offer "Fresh Start" free. Whether or not the consumer actually benefits by $50 is up for debate. But that's not the point. The point is to show the public what they're doing.

For those on the border, Sony may think this little option will push them over to their side. Sony will sell more laptops, and fatten its wallet. By providing an option that consumers want which doesn't hurt the bottom line, Sony is being devilishly clever.

As you know, Sony products come at a premium. It is not hard to believe that this premium can easily cover the supposed loss of the "Fresh Start" fee. As some have said here, does the consumer really benefit? I think so. Buying the laptop is a sign that they think the benefit justifies the cost.

I know this is a common business practice, but various comments here have led me to think that a lot of people don't understand this act.

Thanks for your time in reading this. You can begin ripping away.

[Hraefn @ Mar 23rd 2008 1:33PM]

James Yopp had a comment on the previous article about Sony blundering with their Fresh Start program, which they could have worded like so:

"1. Clean Install - Your new VAIO PC will come out of the box swinging, with a set of lean and mean applications; Certain VAIO applications and applications provided by our advertising partners will not be preinstalled, and will not be included on your install discs. These applications will be available online should you choose to install them.

2. Full Extras (Subtract $50.00) - The complete suite of VAIO applications, plus select online games and software packages from our advertising partners, will be included on the hard drive and in the restore disc. [Link: See complete list of included software]"

(Direct link: http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/21/sony-hates-you-offers-50-fresh-start-option-to-build-your-la/comments/11147799/ )

Lucky for us that James doesn't work at Sony, so their PR blunder now means we don't have to fork over more cash. ^^

[Poom @ Mar 26th 2008 5:35AM]

Mark... Sony is probably the only company that even offers this fresh start option (other than Apple). Now they even offer it for free, even though they might lose revenue from software companies. Instead of criticizing the company from charging in the first place, you really should be giving it a lot of credits for being the first to offer this option and also the first to make it free. Stop being a jerk.

[Poom @ Mar 26th 2008 5:43AM]

The reply didn't work.. sorry...