Sony's image takes another fall

In recent years, Sony has taken some disastrous blows in terms of image.
We all remember Rootkit installing without the knowledge of customers to prevent them from copying their CDs, and we all know their unrelenting pro-DRM stance. A new case has arisen, seemingly less serious but potentially just as damaging.
Mac-users may not be as familiar with this notion - our machines come installed with just OS X and iLife - but Windows-users know the problem of pre-installed commercial applications all too well. This software is more or less invasive, is rarely useful, and it is very difficult to get rid of.
The publishers of these programs pay computer manufacturers to load their software on new machines. This helps to reduce the final price, which explains why all manufacturers are eager to do so. Sony, however, wanted to distinguish itself by offering a PC without these programs. While the initiative is good, the implementation is terrible: the manufacturer charging $50 for this option! The initiative has raised an outcry at the notion that we must pay for a machine that is not overrun with shifty, unwanted apps.
To cope with the discontent which has rapidly expanded, Sony has since announced that the option will be ultimately free but it will leave a legacy, and will cost them money in lost software installations.