[JKingGrim]

I think the best option is a recovery partition on the HDD for less advanced users, and a fresh install windows cd + driver cd for those who know what they are doing. Do dells that come with OS install CDs also have recovery partitions?

I don't think it is unfair for SONY to charge for the fresh start (though it should be available for everyone). Other companies pay SONY to put their software on your computer. It is advertising. If you want the computer without the ads, it will cost more. Now, of course, consumers will speak with their wallet and if they don't want to pay for the fresh start they will take their money elsewhere. I think it is important to note however, that what people are essentially demanding is that SONY lower the price of every PC by $50.

I think the typical bundled bloatware is a big disadvantage in the windows vs mac argument though. Mac makes the software and the hardware and the final product. They wouldnt sell a mac loaded with so much crapware that it runs pitifully slow. MS however makes (IMO) a great OS, but leaves the final product up to the computer manufacturers. Those manufacturers make a poor product by loading it with crapware. Users buy that product and think that it is crappy because of windows, when it is really crappy because of the manufacturers.