Sony is dropping a controversial $50 charge for removing preloaded software from its laptops.

Like most laptop manufacturers Sony bundles trial applications from third parties and includes some of its own applications on new machines.

The firm announced its Fresh Start programme last week, in which users could opt for a laptop without this software for a $50 fee.

Sony justified the fee by stating that the laptops would have to "undergo a system optimisation service where specific Vaio applications, trial software and games are removed from your unit prior to shipment".

However, this caused an outcry among users and Sony has now said that it will make the option free of charge.

Pre-installing software is a big money-spinner for hardware manufacturers, as software providers pay a hefty premium to have applications included when the computers ship.

But users complain that the software often slows the computer down significantly and takes up hard drive space. It can also be difficult to remove, and can cause system crashes.