It seems that Apple and Motorola aren’t the only tech giants willing to jump on the PRODUCT (RED) bandwagon: Microsoft and Dell are reportedly planning to introduce a series of PRODUCT (RED) offerings at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland next week. While Microsoft itself is being coy on the matter—confirming only that “products” are on the way—sources have Microsoft and Dell teaming up to offer both desktop and laptop computers under the PRODUCT (RED) banner, with portions of each sale going to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa.
PRODUCT (RED) computers will include a special $1,599 edition of the Dell XPS One desktop system and, and new editions of the Dell XPS M1330 and M1530 notebook computers.
Purchase of a (RED) notebook computer will result in a $50 contribution to the Global Fund; the desktop will carry an $80 contribution. The systems will feature a (RED)-themed version of Microsoft Windows Vista, and each computer will feature design elements from PRODUCT (RED) co-founder (and U2 frontman) Bono.
The companies apparently believe they will be able to sell several hundred thousand (RED)-branded machines, which could be a significant boon to the project. Since its inception in 2006, (RED) has raised over $50 million for the Global Fund.
UPDATE: Dell informs us the (RED) XPS One will carry a $1,599 price tag, while the two notebooks will each retail for $1,149. Dell will also offer a 948 (RED) Printer for $149, which will be good for a $5 donation to the Global Fund. The special (RED) edition of Windows Vista Ultimate will include six desktop wallpapers, a screensaver, a (RED)-themed Windows Dreamscene, and two “innovative” WIndows Sidebar gadgets. Dell will also be the exclusive PC and peripheral partner of (PRODUCT) RED, which probably has a few other computer makers a little envious.
