Ford sells pink 30GB first-gen Zune, donates 100% to breast cancer research

It's October, which inevitably means that we'll be seeing a healthy dose of gadgets in pink as manufacturers look to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This particular device, however, means a touch more to the cause than most, as both Ford and Microsoft are teaming up to donate "100-percent of the purchase price" to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Granted, this 30GB Zune is one of those first-generation models, and while we're not told exactly how many were produced, it is being marketed as a limited edition piece. So for those more concerned with the cause, infatuated with pink and absolutely cool with not receiving a second-gen Zune (any takers?), you can grab one now for $249.99.

[Thanks, Slice]

[Brian @ Oct 18th 2007 5:33PM]

Yes... because only people who like pink gadgets care about breast cancer...

Someone should let them know they've been underbid by Woot by $149.99... but then again, you can't get pink.

[FordGTGuy @ Oct 18th 2007 5:36PM]

Have you never seen a breast cancer ribbon. Talk about a douche thing to say.

[Brian @ Oct 18th 2007 5:43PM]

There are people who care about finding a cure for breast cancer, and I'd love for my Zune proceeds to go to finding that cure. But I can't see myself buying a pink device like that.

There is a difference between buying a pink bracelet or ribbon for a couple or bucks and buying a pink Zune for $250.

If you really want to raise money for the cause, why restrict yourself to a single color? Just because the originating ribbon is pink?

[Mark @ Oct 18th 2007 6:28PM]

What about prostate cancer?

As a guy, my chances of getting breast cancer are extremely slim, so I only donate to prostate cancer and testicular cancer funds.

Did you guys know that the government funds breast cancer at about SEVEN TIMES the rate of prostate cancer? Even though the two cancers kill at about the same rate?

I guess its the same reason that only men are drafted as cannon fodder.

[cran @ Oct 18th 2007 7:12PM]

That's cause the government has their priorities straight. I'd much rather see womens' breasts saved than mens' asses :)

[jimmyfinch @ Oct 18th 2007 10:43PM]

@mark

1) Buy a brown Zune on Ebay.

B: Donate the difference between what you paid and the MSPR to prostate research.

[John @ Oct 18th 2007 10:52PM]

Well, for one thing, prostate cancer isn't given quite the same publicity as breast cancer. It was rather disappointing when you didn't suggest a brown zune (what a crazy idea) for prostate cancer, though...

[Mark @ Oct 19th 2007 2:25AM]

Sorry guys, I'm not on with the idea of associating prostate cancer with poo any more than I am infatuated with the idea of associating breast cancer with saggy National Geographic boobies, mastectomies, or pus leakage. Everything is pink on the inside anyway, right.

And its shockingly short-term thinking to say that you would rather see old women's tits saved than your own prostate.

[Chris.L @ Oct 18th 2007 5:37PM]

kinda sad really...

They're trying to convince us to buy a pink Zune, but they're last-gen Zune's...and yet the second-gen Zune's are coming in like a month?

Kinda just smacking people who might buy a Zune in the face if they just go and sell them something old and expect them to buy something new in a month...

[Dragod @ Oct 18th 2007 5:41PM]

Who says every person who owns a Gen 1 Zune is going to go out and buy a 2nd Gen? I sure won't. I actually like the Gen 1 more from what I've seen.

This is a good thing, it's not some pyramid scheme. Every cent these Zunes make will be be donated whether or not anyone buys it. How would it be beneficial to Microsoft to "fool" people into buying this, only to make no money?

[jamma @ Oct 18th 2007 7:13PM]

"Kinda just smacking people who might buy a Zune in the face if they just go and sell them something old and expect them to buy something new in a month..."

At least people KNOW there's a newer version about to be released, and that most of its features will arrive on the older ones by an update.

no-one's expecting anyone to buy a new zune if they already have one (hence the update), and speaking from experience of buying a 2nd gen Nano 2 weeks before the touch was announced, I would say that this is far from being smacked in the face

[Dragod @ Oct 18th 2007 5:38PM]

Do you need any more reasons to love the Zune? Atleast the hardware is solid, unlike the new iPods. They've had so many problems it's not even funny.

[Snitch @ Oct 18th 2007 5:51PM]

dude are you serious first gen zunes been buggy from day one and still are, its true new iPods are buggy as hell but at least its and old apple habbit of selling things and fixing them later which sucks but they are really good at it, microsft don't even try fixing anything, just wait and see when the new soft upgrade comes out, that's when M$$ its really goin to kill the first gen zunes just wait and see

[Ryan Karolak @ Oct 18th 2007 5:49PM]

Why am I not surprised a bash on iPods appeared in a discussion about the Zune?

This is about breast cancer. Can't you leave your dislike and cheap shots about the ipod out of it?

[mattrob6 @ Oct 18th 2007 5:56PM]

This should be the way more companies do these breast cancer support products, with 100% going to the cause its like getting a device for free with your donation

[Paulie Walnuts @ Oct 18th 2007 6:05PM]

100% of the purchase price not the profit. So Ford and Microsoft are acctually losing money. That is wonderful that these large companies will donate all the money to research even if it means they will loose money.

[jroc @ Oct 18th 2007 7:37PM]

There is already a cure for breast cancer, and other types of cancer. As long as we keep giving them millions to "research" we will never have a cure. If someone kept giving you millions to find a cure, would you just hurry up and give it to them, wheres the money in that. It is the sad truth.

Rank me low please.

[Lawrence @ Oct 18th 2007 8:33PM]

jroc...you're a douche.

[jroc @ Oct 18th 2007 8:51PM]

Lawrence, you are ignorant and petty. Good luck sir.

[ReverendGadgetBoy @ Oct 18th 2007 8:56PM]

so wait jroc, whats this cure of yours?

cause im pretty damn sure there isnt one.

[John @ Oct 18th 2007 10:53PM]

The only true part of your post was where you guessed that we would rank you low for it.

[insertAlias @ Oct 18th 2007 11:20PM]

@jroc:
You *are* a douche. There isn't a cure for breast cancer, there are treatments. Treatments that save many lives. Treatments that wouldn't be possible without donations and projects like this funding them.

Honestly, why do you bash a good cause like this? I guess I shouldn't be surprised though...like granny said: "All the fools aren't dead yet."

[jroc @ Oct 19th 2007 12:37AM]

There isn't a cure? Oh yeah and I suppose mindless vaccines are good for you. go on Sheeple be brainwashed. There is no "official" cure, go on watch faux news, make your mind mush people. Oh yeah and there wont be WWIII either right?

[jroc @ Oct 19th 2007 12:43AM]

There are many secretive cures, you dont know how much money is involved in disease and illnesses, it is just a business as much as microsoft or apple is. The cure deals with harmonics and freqencies, but im not going to explain to you people because apparantly it is *impossible* to cure it. I suppose Iran is an enemy of the US too right? Get over it people you are being taken for a ride.

[Zorque @ Oct 18th 2007 6:17PM]

Why is it Ford that's doing this? Seems like they would donate a portion of car sales or something, not sure what they have to do with Zunes.

[Paulie Walnuts @ Oct 18th 2007 6:21PM]

Ford is a partner with Microsoft. They teamed up with MS for the MS/Ford Sync feature in new Ford Mo tor Co. vechicles. My guess is that Ford takes half the loss and MS takes the other half of the loss on the device.

[Jim @ Oct 18th 2007 6:31PM]

Microsoft is collaborating with Ford on a car interface.

This is a good idea and a mutual win for all. It's a way to sell off the inventory of Zune hardware with the funds going to a great cause. Too many "pink" products only donate a few per cent of sales to breast cancer research.

It is an obsolete model, but at least it will run the Zune 2 software.

[deloreanz @ Oct 18th 2007 6:56PM]

microsoft + pink + zune + ford

I know this is for a good cause but could they possibly choose a less desirable combination? Just because it's for charity doesn't mean it has to be hideously unmarketable.

[kcar @ Oct 18th 2007 7:14PM]

I don't like MS or Zune, but I take my hat off to MS and Ford for donating all of the purchase price revenue to breast cancer research. I doubt many of us would be willing to give $250 for such a cause if we weren't going to get some kind of gift.

[Dave @ Oct 18th 2007 7:23PM]

Wow, the pink zune sure has come down in price:
http://crunchgear.com/2006/12/17/920-pink-zune-on-ebay/

[Brian @ Oct 18th 2007 11:15PM]

I assume you purposely posted false information.

These aren't the same Zunes.

[Paul @ Oct 18th 2007 8:43PM]

Hi everyone,

I'm sorry if this feels a little misplaced, but we're spreading the word that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and like Ford we are trying to make a difference, 1-800Free411 is donating $1 for every new caller in October (up to $25,000) and will go to the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund. Please help...we have to make more progress to hit our goal!

For all the details and to “Pass the Ribbon” about important health information to family and friends, go to http://www.free411.com/pink/

My best wishes to all,
Paul

[Justin @ Oct 18th 2007 9:07PM]

I bought my girlfriend a pink Zune 6 months ago and it was "limited edition" then...

[Lawrence @ Oct 18th 2007 9:35PM]

I'm the one who's ignorant and petty !!!

Look in the mirror buddy. Oh and in the meantime do some research before you make such ridiculous claims. They just show YOUR ignorance. www.pubmed.com is a good place to start.

[Zeke @ Oct 18th 2007 10:29PM]

Wow, pink AND an ugly Ford logo? Way to be unappealing to both demographics...

[Brian @ Oct 18th 2007 11:11PM]

I think it's great of these companies to run a charity this way!

I'm tempted to buy one for my mom, who has wanted an mp3 player for years.

These would make a great christmas present.

[JB @ Oct 18th 2007 11:29PM]

Any man who supports breast cancer research and not prostate cancer research should likely reconsider. It's just as big of problem with much less money being thrown at it.

[Mark @ Oct 19th 2007 11:37AM]

Truth++

Prostate cancer is way underfunded compared to breast cancer, even though they kill people at about the same rate. But then, men live 7-8 years less than women on average so its not like people care.

[tekdroid @ Oct 18th 2007 11:57PM]

http://www.vegsource.com/articles/breast_cancer.htm

Everyone looking for a 'cure' when so many illnesses can be prevented with a change of diet. We don't evolve for millions of years on real food then pump crap into our bodies in a short space of time and pretend like nothing will happen.

If you really care about more than 'awareness', change your diet.

Everybody likes to feel good giving to so-called good causes while getting their tech lust on, hoping the problem will be tackled with yet more money by someone else, but nobody seems determined to stamp out the real problem - change your diet and the diets of those you care about. Eat better (and that often means spending LESS, not more).

[Emily @ Oct 19th 2007 12:06AM]

Some companies take advantage of the "pink" thing, but dont actually donate anything to breast cancer, say Calphalon... I am happy not owning an mp3 player, and have no desire to buy one, but kitchen products Im totally into. I am happy to hear that MS and ford are donating 100% because so many companies only donate a small percentage (1-5% usually). I hate pink tho, I wish they would sell other colors with the same donation going to breast cancer. and not to research...people will be researching for years to come, I want my money to go to treatments, to people who cant afford to use the medicine we already have to make their precious time a little longer and a little better. before you buy products that claim to donate money (or are just pink, as I mentioned Calphalon) to a specific cause, find out for sure what theyre going to and exactly how much, make your purchase worthwhile!

[IndiaTech @ Oct 19th 2007 4:11AM]

How come every time Engadget mentions or reviews a "Pink" colored gadget, half the comments posted here are about the lack of corresponding "Brown" gadget?
I mean if you are so concerned about "Prostate" cancer, by a poo colored device and donate $10 bucks to Prostate Cancer Research.
I mean organizations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure have to depend on such marketing to raise funds because our govt. doesn't want to fund them because of "moral" concerns.

[IndiaTech @ Oct 19th 2007 4:12AM]

Oops... Sorry abt the typo... 10 bucks not $10 bucks :D

[Mark @ Oct 19th 2007 11:39AM]

Are you even aware of the facts? The government gives SEVEN TIMES more money to breast cancer research. Think about that.

For every $100 that prostate cancer research gets, breast cancer gets $700. And that's JUST the government, not private donations like this one.

Why do you hate men?

[chris @ Oct 19th 2007 8:25PM]

why cant everyone just applaud MS and ford for doing this. yea, it is a first gen but still to give 100% to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. I think its great that they are doing it and more companies should partner and give 100% to a charity... They make enough money that they could do it. Ford and MS deserve credit for doing this, you have to admit that even though YOU might not like ford or you might not like MS they are trying to help the community.

[rs3859 @ Oct 19th 2007 9:50PM]

Well, I want to applaud both companies for seeming to do something great, but, let's face it, it's just for publicity. They looked and said, "Hey, we are interfacing M$ with Ford, and we need to let people know about it." "Oh, let's do something really great like donate proceeds to breast cancer" "Yay! Now everyone will see us as really great organizations and want to buy our products even more". Come on people, using Breat Cancer as an advertising venue has to be the lowest thing I have ever seen... If they were really concerned, they wouldn't sell the Zunes and advertise for it, they would make anonymous donations because they actually cared in their hearts. I hate corporations...they can't think past how to better their interests for a single moment.

[Brian @ Oct 20th 2007 4:50AM]

Yea... how awful that they expect something in return for donating money to cancer reserach.

I guess you're mother teresa, and the rest of us are scrouges.

Do you honestly believe what you wrote? Grow up.

[rs3859 @ Oct 20th 2007 11:18AM]

Well, yes, I believe this. I believe the capitalist view of everything in America has severley damaged any moral fortitude people in this country have. We believe that everything we do should only be done if it directly benefits us...preferably immediately. And, it's companies like M$ and Ford that continue to solidify this warped and disturbing view. Their's is a purely utilitarianistic approach to the problem, which goes hand in hand with capitalism.

Yes, I may wish there was a utopianistic society, which will probalby never happen, but the problem does not lie there. The real problem here lies in the fact that the corporations, advertisers, politicians, and all other influential entities have successfully brain washed the American populus into a doclie acceptance of an elitist society. The really neat trick is how they did it in such a way that we believe we have free will to make choices.
When you go to the store and buy something, you are making a choice on what you buy. However, the store has already predetermined the set of things you can choose from. This is not free will.

I'm not going to turn this thread on breast cancer into an argument about how screwed up the current American outlook is. But, it suffices to look at one example. A man wants to be praised by his present contemporaries. He goes into a store and intentionally shoots someone in the chest. Luckily, the man is a doctor and he quickly saves the victims life. Should we applaud the good deed of saving the victim's life or should we take more note of the negative act of shooting the victim in the first place? This is the same dilema faced by the American people everyday when dealing with companies like Ford and M$.

Should we applaud them for their one charitable act, or should we look negatively on them because of their ulterior motives just as the doctor above had ulterior motives? I believe the latter, and that in order for an act to be considered charitable and good it must be an act performed for the sake of the act and not for the sake of recognition or personal gain.