Unpredictable. Unfocused. Just like life.

I just bought my last SONY product ever.

I just bought a new SONY Vaio laptop. When I turned it on the first thing I was prompted with was page containing two end-user license agreements (EULA). Before I could contitue to use the PC that I paid for I had to agree to these two licenses. Just for fun I thought I'd read them.

The first license was for Microsoft Windows XP. It said that I was only allowed to use the software for 30 days unless I provided information to, and registered with Microsoft. Now this PC wasn't a gift; I paid for it, including the operating system. Yes here is Microsoft dictation terms under which I can use the copy of the operating system I clearly paid for. Clearly this is a company for which customer satisfaction takes a distant back seat to revenue.

But that was nothing compared to the second SONY agreement. I bet all of you who own a Vaio would you be surprised that you agreed to this:

The software contains features which may allow SONY and/or third parties to collect data from, control and/or monitor computers and devices running or interacting with the SOFTWARE. You hereby agree that such activities may occur (emphasis added)

Or this tidbit:

From time to time, SONY or other third parties may automatically update or otherwise modify the SOFTWARE, for example, but not limited to, for purposes of enhancement of security functions, error correction and improvement of functions, at such time as you interact with SONY's or third parties' servers, or otherwise. Such updates or modifications may delete or change the nature of features or other aspects of the SOFTWARE, including functions you may rely upon. You hereby agree that such activities may occur at SONY's sole discretion and that SONY may condition continued use of the SOFTWARE upon your complete installation or acceptance of such update or modifications. (emphasis added)

So without realizing, you've agreed that SONY and anybody else they want can collect data, control and monitor your PC, and remove features at will. They say nothing about adding features. And you are not allowed to use the computer - the one you paid for - until you agree to their terms. Otherwise you've just purchased an expensive paperweight.

Perhaps I'm the stupid one. I purchased the Vaio because it seemed like a nice laptop and I needed it for some work I was doing. Personally I use a Mac. But I assumed that buying a PC would allow me to actually do what I want with it.

Well I have the last laugh because the first thing I did was remove all of the preinstalled software and put on a new operating system. And I'll never buy another product from SONY again.