Microsoft Corp. said on Thursday that its Zune portable media player will be available for November purchase, in time for the holiday season, and competitively prices against rivals.

The new device - capable of playing video and music, and featuring a 30GB hard-disc, wireless connectivity - will retail for $249.99 the company said.

Consumers can also buy songs from the Zune Marketplace for 79 Microsoft Points. The firm said that 80 points can be purchased for $1, and can be used in the Xbox Live Marketplace as well.

The online store will initially sell only music and no video.