Echostar grabs (a bit) of Apple's thunder

Assuming that Apple doesn't introduce a video version of its iPod tomorrow, DISH Network has just the device to tide you over...

It's the PocketDISH, a line of three portable video devices that range in price from $329 to $599. Macworld writes:

The PocketDISH features a 2.2-inch, 4-inch or 7-inch screen, and can store from 20 to 40GB worth of content. In addition to working with select DISH Network digital video recorders (DVRs) equipped with USB 2.0 connections, they can also download and record content from Macs, PCs, digital cameras, mass storage devices and other equipment. It takes about five minutes to transfer an hour of DISH Network programming to a PocketDISH, according to the company.

According to DISH Network's press release, each PocketDISH has "a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for up to four hours of video and 12 hours of music playback."

Here's the official PocketDISH Web site.

(And if you want to see how a play-money stock market is handicapping the odds that Apple will unveil a video iPod soon, check this out: Yahoo's Buzz Game.)