Some would call this a shakedown, charging $30 to remove all the bloatware that comes preinstalled on a computer. I call it a public service, even though it’s at a price.

But Best Buy is doing it, sensing a potential revenue stream from frustrated computer users who hate the endless plethora of demo software and AOL installations that are damn near impossible to remove without an MSCE degree. I mean, other than serious cheap skates and those who already own a copy of Vista, who won’t jump at the chance to add another $30 to the bill for a clean computer? I know I would if I bought computers in a brick and mortar anymore.

Best Buy isn’t the first company to offer such a service. Sony announced earlier in the year a premium charge to ship their Vaio laptops without what they termed as “extra-ware.” And that’s a great thing. It means that computer manufacturers and retail companies are listening to their customers and giving them the choice of having a clean machine, even if it’s at an extra charge. But just consider it an upgraded model.

Now if we could only get them to sell PCs without Windows and OSX installe instead.

Hat Tip – Gizmos for Geeks

[ Best Buy to remove bloatware for a price copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]