EchoStar--the Dish Network folks--are out this week with three handheld multimedia devices ($329-$599) that look like what Apple was trying to accomplish with the new video iPods, but couldn't.

Two of the PocketDish models have recording capabilities, but they all work with a variety of other devices, including computers, DVD players, and VCR's. The units can also make a USB 2.0 connection to select Dish Network receivers, allowing an hour of video to be downloaded in about five minutes, the company said. The screens run from a tiny 2.2-inches (the new iPod is 2.5) to a giant 7-inches across.

If you want to see what one looks like, visit the PocketDish site (link above). PC Magazine has a news story that describes the devices in detail, but doesn't answer the lingering question: Why didn't Apple do something like this?