Sony backed down to its decision to charge its customers $50 to remove trial software, known as “bloatware or “trialware,” from hard disks of new laptops.

The company has started to offer a new option called “Fresh Start,” which assured customers they will receive their new computers free from all the annoying applications and applets trying to convince them to buy various software applications.

“Opt for a Fresh Start and your VAIO PC will undergo a system optimization service where specific VAIO applications, trial software and games are removed from your unit prior to shipment. Fresh Start safely scrubs your PC to free up valuable hard drive space and conserve memory and processing power while maximizing overall system performance right from the start,” is the official description of the service, according to Sony’s website.

But the controversy started soon after Engadget has posted an article about the $50 Sony’s Free Start. As the customers showed their irritation for having to pay $50 for a bloatware-free computer, Sony changed its mind and announced that it would offer the new option as a free option. For the moment, the option is limited at the Vaio TZ2000 and Vaio TZ2500 model laptops.

"We want Vaio users to have the best experience possible with our PCs, and we believe Fresh Start will help ensure that happens right out-of-the-box," the company said in a statement, quoted by the InformationWeek.

It is no surprise that Sony only made the offer available for only two laptop models, as computer makers are usually paid well to install trial software on their machines. Some customers complain that Sony is pre-loading more bloatware than other computer makers.