Perhaps the cleanest chain-store bought PCs you can get today.
There's nothing better than the snappy feeling of a freshly installed operating system – one that's free from the cobwebs collected and caused by constant use (and perhaps neglect). Sadly, many computer buyers these days don't get to experience that fresh feeling due to all the crapware that OEMs pre-install on new machines.
That's just one side effect, however, of the open platform that allows manufacturers to configure both the hardware and software however it sees fit. This also leads to bundling and subsidized deals that, in theory, helps to lower the price of PCs, but also the loading of trial software that clogs up a fresh install of Windows. Instead of getting a snappy, clean OS, new buyers get at bloated system from day one.
Some OEMs, such as Lenovo for its ThinkPad line, are more considerate of its users, but you still won't be getting a clean install of Windows with only truly useful and valuable applications.
Would you believe that it's Microsoft's own "Signature PCs" that are the ones most clean from the crapware? According to TechFlash, a certain line of PCs sold at the just-launched Microsoft Store in Scottsdale, AZ do away with the annoying pre-installed software and instead come with full versions of Windows Live services, Silverlight, Zune software and some of Adobe's popular online software. While some of that software could be debated as unwanted crapware, it's still a world of difference from the typical computer that one would buy from a large retailer.
Microsoft isn't making its own computers for this, however. Instead, it is taking the machines offered by Sony, HP, Dell, Acer and Lenovo and loading on its own Windows 7 configuration to create a "Signature PC."
Unlike Apple, Microsoft does not control the user experience top to bottom, but the level of control Microsoft is taking with its Signature PCs could be a step towards stomping out crapware – which we're all in favour of.
Takes the fun out of a new PC/Laptop for lots of folks since you spend the first 30 minutes of your new PC's life uninstalling tons of garbage before you actually get to play with the new piece of equipment.
But, that's why I build my own systems...
Takes the fun out of a new PC/Laptop for lots of folks since you spend the first 30 minutes of your new PC's life uninstalling tons of garbage before you actually get to play with the new piece of equipment.
But, that's why I build my own systems...
Of course, I still don't trust Microsoft over some OEM, but if it helps them clear their name (and prevent another stupid I'm a Mac commercial), I'm all for it. I'll still be deciding whats installed on my own machines, but for pre-built systems, this should be a plus.
Although, pre-installing their own software is probably going to lead to anti-trust issues. Hopefully they aren't selling these PCs in Europe.
I had my chuckle for the day.
Funny thing is people actually pay the "geek" sqauad hundreds of dollars to do this lol.
I can argue Safari, iTunes, iPhoto, iAnything are crapware too.
I think your ideal Windows computer is a macbook: limited hardware choice controlled by the software editor. It makes for really stable machines but also allows the vendor to inflate the price and limits your choices. The marketing department just has to persuade people that fewer choices is really awesome©.
This really reminds me of Henry Ford saying "Any customer can have a car painted any colour that he wants so long as it is black".
1. Crapware and bloatware
2. Recovery partitions and no Windows installation CD.
There, fixed.
All those Apple apps are more analogous to Windows accessories than they are to bloatware. Your argument holds no water. Safari=IE, ITunes/QuickTime=Windows Media Player, etc. True bloatware is the stuff that a company pays to get included on the desktop- the games, Real Player, AOL, Norton, etc.
Flame me all you want, but Mac OS has always been clean of bloatware from the start. I use a PC solely for work and play, but you've got to at least recognize that Windows isn't everything and Apple has something to offer too.
Windows OS has always been clean of the kind of bloatware talked about here too... did you read the article at all, it clearly sta...... ahh what am i doing... don't ... feed... trolls