Sony's "Fresh Start": Is it really the same as a clean install?

I use to be content with just uninstalling the bloatware that comes with most Windows PCs, but now I'd prefer to do a clean install on a likely Sony Z purchase since it costs a fortune--though I don't know if I'll necessarily notice the performance difference. Before discovering this forum, I didn't know that a clean install was possible without a Windows disc provided. However, doing so--in glimpsing the guides for the old Z and the HP Envy in this forum--is very involved, possibly requiring more tech savvy than I possess. And some of the guides aren't a sure thing either.

And so I'm now interested in possibly paying the absurd $50 for Windows 7 Professional to enable the option to choose "Fresh Start" at Sony Style. But a few concerns:

1. Is Sony's Fresh Start option the exact same as a clean install--is it just as thorough? According to their site:

Fresh Start provides a basic computing environment where specific VAIO® applications (like VAIO® Media Gallery and VAIO Picture Motion Browser), trial software and games are removed from your unit prior to shipment. Any additional software applications added to your notebook will not be affected by this option. ​

So I would assume they would only leave Sony utilities necessary for some hardware functions (like the biometric fingerprint scanner, cam, etc). Could anyone confirm that from experience?

2. Does Windows 7 Professional run any less smoothly or is it any more demanding on hardware than the Home Premium version? (since it has more features)

3. I've seen an HP laptop with an obscene amount of third party and proprietary bloatware. The proprietary stuff is harder to uninstall. Is Sony any better than other companies with bloatware? If there's not much, would it simply be just as good to merely uninstall the programs myself and nevermind with a clean install or paid "fresh start"?

Thank you.

 

1) dont know

2) Win7 Pro doent need more power.. You can disable all services you doesnt need. You have business functionality, can join domains..

3 No, Hp is getting worse in the last years, but all other - also sony - are much more worse. Full of Bloatware.
You will have to do a clean installation by yourself, but maybee Freshstart from Sony is the solution.

 

Thanks for your reply.

I'm just surpised to find this forced upgrade to Windows Pro in order to get a Fresh Install, which after some more searching in this forum I found still leaves the system with a couple bloatware applications like a Corel DVD application and Roxio.

I still remember the outrage not too long ago when Sony charged $50 for this service, presumably then without the Windows upgrade: http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/21/sony-hates-you-offers-50-fresh-start-option-to-build-your-la/