Apple Offers Red iPod to Fight AIDS

Apple said Friday that it had teamed up with U2 front man Bono to offer a special edition of the iPod Nano. However, unlike the full-size iPod that was designed for the band, this music player supports Bono's charity Red, which fights diseases in Africa, primarily AIDS.

The 4GB Nano is enclosed in a red case, and will sell for $199 USD. For each unit sold, Apple will donate $10 to the Global Fund to help fight HIV/AIDS in Africa. In addition, the iPod includes a special $25 Red iTunes Gift card, although it didn't specify what percentage would go to charity.

"Now customers can buy the best music player in the world and do something to help the world at the same time," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "We're honored to work with Bono, (RED) and this team to contribute to an incredibly important initiative and help change the way people think about AIDS in Africa."

Several other companies are offering red-colored products in support of Bono's charity. The Gap is selling several red-colored clothing items, and Motorola is offering a red-colored RAZR. While the some of the products have been available in the UK since April of this year, Friday marks the first day the products became available in the US.

"It's wonderful to see this incredible level of commitment from companies that are willing to lend their creativity in the fight against AIDS in Africa, the greatest health crisis in 600 years," Bono said in a statement.