SAN FRANCISCO, Jan 24, 2008 (AFP) - Microsoft and Dell on Thursday joined U2 band front man Bono's "RED" charity effort with a line of red personal computers.
Dell and Microsoft promise they will contribute a combined 50 to 80 dollars to The Global Fund to battle AIDS in Africa every time a "RED" computer is sold.
Eighty dollars can pay for someone with AIDS in Africa to have more than six months of life-sustaining antiretroviral medicine, according to RED.
"The computer has revolutionized our lives," Bono said in a written release.
"It's a truly beautiful idea that the purchase of a stylish PC can put someone on lifesaving ARV treatment for six months."
Dell also unveiled a "RED" printer and said a portion of the selling price will be donated to the charity the rock star helped create in 2006 to combine product branding power with raising money to thwart AIDS in Africa.
Bono's RED alliance includes customized iPods from Apple, mobile telephones from Motorola, and fragrance and jewelry from designer Giorgio Armani.
In keeping with the charity's name, hip products designed with the cause in mind are red or accented with the color.
RED partners have contributed more than 57 million dollars that have been put to work combating AIDS in Rwanda, Swaziland, and Ghana, according to the organization.
"The RED business model is a powerful way for consumers to use their purchasing power to help bring about positive change in the world," said Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.
"The combination of Microsoft, RED, and Dell means consumers can help in the fight against AIDS in Africa by buying a great Dell PC that comes loaded with the best version of Windows Vista."
Three Dell RED computers priced from 1,149 dollars to 1,599 dollars, and a 149-dollar printer, will be available in the United States by week's end and in more than two dozen other countries by January 31, according to the companies.
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