I hate to say I agree… but it is true, buying a Mac does immediately solve the bloatware problem.

So do you suppose that new PC’s are cheaper because third party companies are paying the manufacturer? I would like to think that the customer gets some benefit from all this. If the price is indeed lower, cleaning off all th crap is a relatively small price to pay.

I’ve also heard that these computer companies are paid substantial amounts by these (sometimes) third-party crap software producing companies. I’m sure this seemed like a good idea at first (for the computer manufacturer), but as you so elegantly described, not so good for the consumer. Their margins were probably low on selling the computer and though they could make a few extra bucks in the bloatware – so sad!

Also, I just thought of a fourth option for your second to last paragraph – Buy a Mac.

I enjoyed your post – nice work!