Apple Computer, the maker of iPod players and Macintosh computers, and rap music superstar 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, are reportedly working on an inexpensive Macintosh computers designed for those, who cannot afford already available Macs. While the idea itself definitely deserves a praise, the outcome is unclear, as both 50 Cent and Apple are known for participation in co-branding deals.

A recent article in Forbes magazine claims that 50 Cent and his manager Chris Lighty of Violator management are negotiating the branding deal with Apple Computer, reports AllHipHop.com web-site. It is said that the lineup will consist of very affordable computers, which can be bought by those living in the poor. However, Mr. Jackson and Mr. Lighty explain that it is all about the business.

“I’m creating a foundation that will be around for a long time, because fame can come and go or get lost in the lifestyle and the splurging. I never got into it for the music. I got into it for the business,” 50 Cent is reported to have told Forbes.

“He [Steve Jobs – chief executive of Apple Computer] is setting a new standard in the music business. Let’s just say we get each other,” Mr. Lighty is quoted as saying.

Apple already sells U2 edition of its iPod music player, attracting some attention of the band fans. By building cost-effective Mac 50 Cent edition machines, the computer maker, whose market share is well below 5%, can attract attention of 50 Cent’s fans, especially those, who are cannot acquire a system which costs several thousands of U.S. dollars. It is only uncertain, how much will such a system cost and whether it will be even more affordable than Mac mini, which starts at $599.

AllHipHop.com claims that the rapper had earned almost $41 million dollars, mostly from record sales and branding deals that include a clothing line, a line of sneakers, a video game and his G-Unit line of clothing, which was launched in partnership with Marc Ecko in July 2003. That said, the deal with Apple does seem to be another way to popularize the 50 Cent brand-name and also earn some money.