Microsoft Gets Into the PC Business (Sort-of)

Company introduces new PCs without the bloatware. Why didn't anyone else think of this?

From the "It's-about-time" files: Microsoft has finally done what OEMs won't seem to do: it's selling PCs without unwanted bloatware/junkware preloaded on the PC.

The PCs are sold through Microsoft's retail stores – all 14 of them – or they can be shipped to you. Wisely, these aren't Microsoft-branded PCs. Instead, Microsoft worked with OEMs like Sony, HP, Acer, Dell and Lenovo to create Signature PCs, which isn't very hard. It just has Windows 7, optimized for that PC, pre-loaded on it.

Well, ok, there are other Microsoft products, like as Windows Live Essential and Zune Pass, but there is also a security/antimalware utility that doesn't have an annoying annual fee like Norton, McAfee, etc. You also get 90 days of phone support to help you with anything related to your new PC.

Yes, yes, Mac users, I know. Spare me.

There's also Signature Premium PCs, for $99 more, that include a LoJack-like laptop tracker, one year of support, training sessions and priority access to training, events, workshops, and discounts on future purchases.

The Signature site has a blurb from Paul Thurrot, who has covered all things Microsoft for years, saying 95 percent of users surveyed preferred these slimmed down PCs over those bloated with junk.

'Unless you want a new PC that's bogged down with bloat, trialware, or other junk, take a look at Microsoft Signature. It provides a significantly better experience," he's quoted as saying.

Microsoft is peddling this to consumers and SMBs, since enterprises tend to get their laptops with a pre-loaded image. There's no way to slice it, this is a huge middle finger at the OEMs. And I can't say they don't deserve it because they load their PCs with junk despite repeated complaints.

The question is why Microsoft doesn't just push the vendors to sell the PC at retail this way. I recently acquired a new Dell Inspiron to retire my old one and the first two hours were spent unloading junk. Boot time was cut almost in half, and this is a Sandy Bridge-powered laptop.

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• Microsoft