Dell sees (RED) and Microsoft sees red

Stephen Withers
Wednesday, 12 November 2008 11:15

Opinion and Analysis

There's red and there's (RED). Microsoft and Dell both announced red products today, but for one it's just a colour.

Dell's added to its (PRODUCT) RED lineup with new artwork for its Studio series of 15 and 17in laptops.

Pick one of the (PRODUCT) RED designs when buying a new Studio, and Dell will chip in $20 to The Global Fund to help finance AIDS programs in Africa.

(RED) is a corporate philanthropy thing - companies sell (RED) versions of their products and make a donation for each unit sold. This lets customers salve their consciences ("Do I really need a new computer/ipod/skateboard/another cup of coffee?") with the thought that some of the profit goes to a good cause. Or maybe that's just my somewhat jaundiced view.

While Microsoft has previously supported (RED) in partnership with Dell when buyers order Windows Vista Ultimate (PRODUCT) RED with a new computer, its latest announcement is, well, simply red.

The Xbox 360 Wireless Controller now comes in a limited edition red version. The $A99.95 package includes a matching Play and Charge Kit allowing the battery to be recharged while the controller is in use - providing the cable doesn't cramp your gaming style.

The Play and Charge Kit is also available separately in black for $A34.95. You can buy a lot of batteries for 35 bucks, but think about the landfill you'll save.

Also new from Microsoft's Xbox operation is the 60GB LIVE Starter Pack - a bundle containing a 60G detachable hard drive, headset, Ethernet cable and a three-month Gold Xbox LIVE subscription.

Other companies supporting (RED) include Apple, which offers PRODUCT (RED) versions of its iPod shuffle and nano.