Bloatware Removal Threatens PC Industry Profits

Anti-Globalism sends along a piece on how a consumer-friendly service is not so good for PC manufacturers. "Before they ship PCs to retailers like Best Buy, computer makers load them up with lots of free software. For $30, Best Buy will get rid of it for you. That simple cleanup service is threatening the precarious economics of the personal computer industry. Software companies pay hundreds of millions of dollars to PC makers like Hewlett-Packard to install their photo tools, financial programs, and other products, usually with some tie-in to a paid service or upgrade. With margins growing thinner than most laptops, this critical revenue can make the difference between profit and loss for the computer makers, industry analysts say."

Comments

Linux Bloatware

[argent]

When I look back at the lightweight Windowmaker/GNUstep environment I prefer, I'd say that the Gnome/KDE gigabytes of junk on most Linux desktops counts as "bloatware".

Re:Flying

[Lilith's Heart-shape]

Parent, like those willing to pay to have the bloatware removed is obviously willing to pay more in costs as well as time to have some freedom. People voting with their money in either case, computer manufacturers and airlines as well as the government should take note.

You're right in that I'm willing to sacrifice convenience for freedom, but I don't pay to have bloatware removed. I'm a Mac user. :)