Dell and Microsoft Go (RED)

Dell and Microsoft said on Wednesday that they will join the fight against AIDS in Africa through the sales of (PRODUCT) RED notebooks, desktops, printers - and software. (PRODUCT) RED was co-founded by U2 singer Bono and Bobby Shriver of Debt AIDS Trade in Africa (DATA) to raise money for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Each (RED) product sold will contribute from $50 to $80 to the fight. An XPS desktop, two notebooks and a printer will feature the (RED) brand. The computers will have a special version of Windows Vista with (RED) themed wallpaper, a (RED) screen saver, a (RED) video that can be used as a Windows DreamScene, and sidebar gadgets that click users to various (RED) Web sites.

Here are the details on the Dell products:

• XPS One (PRODUCT) RED - Dell's All-in-One PC. Starting at $1,599. ($80 contribution)

• XPS M1330 Notebook (PRODUCT) RED. Starting at $1,149. (50 contribution)

• XPS M1530 Notebook (PRODUCT) RED. Starting at $1,149. ($50 contribution)

• 948 All-in-One Printer (PRODUCT) RED – Fax, scan, copy and print functions and photo printing options. Starting at $149. ($5 contribution)

There aren't any functionality (except for the (RED) themed Vista) or price differences between these and non-(RED) Dell products, so if you like the color red, why not go for it.

You can buy these at http://www.dell.com/joinred starting Thursday and at Best Buy stores starting this weekend.