Motorola sees RED with a crimson-coated V3

Lately we've been grumbling about Motorola's succession of RAZR V3 variants -- the V3i, V3x and V3xx to name but a few -- because despite the time lapse between releases, there's been little innovation in design and interface.

Now another RAZR has hit the shelves, but as a chunk of the price goes to charity, we'd be as heartless as Montgomery Burns if we complained about it. The phone, an original V3, has been coated in crimson and released as part of the (PRODUCT)^RED campaign, which raises funds for anti-AIDS programs in Africa.

Available on Optus as part of a pre-paid pack -- which includes a ruby-hued Bluetooth headset -- it costs AU$249, of which AU$19.80 goes to the Global Fund. To nab one, head on down to an Optus store, Australia Post, Dick Smith, Kmart, Powerhouse, Tandy, All Phones or Strathfield. It's certainly a better purchase in the warm-and-fuzzy stakes than the gold-coated Dolce & Gabbana V3i that crossed our review desks last year.

The special edition V3 is the first in a series of (PRODUCT)^RED products from Motorola, with the rest to be released in Australia throughout 2007.

Phones are not the only tech item to have been released exclusively for (PRODUCT)^RED -- Apple launched 4- and 8GB red iPod Nanos as part of the campaign. Although they were not initially available in Australia, they can now be purchased from Apple's online store.