What's the deal with so many microwaves today? So big, so unwieldy. For something with the prefix "micro-," one would imagine that they might be, well, small. Cleveland-based iCubed International has finally heeded the demands of the public with the iWave Cube, a 10- by 10.5- by 12-inch portable microwave that the company touts as "the world's smallest." While its tagline, "iWave Cube Puts Power of Microwave in Palm of Hand," may seem a touch hyperbolic, in terms of portability, the Cube is pretty small indeed.

Here's how a company spokesman describes the genesis of the product:

I was looking for a way to do a hot towel treatment before my shave," said [Phil] Davis, whose official title is Managing Member of iCubed International. "I figured the only way I could do that was to have a microwave in the bathroom. I went and got a tape measure, and it went from there.

Sticking the iWave in the WC wasn't exactly the sort of usage I had imagined, but heck, what with today's luxury toilets, there's really no reason to ever leave the bathroom. But the 12-pound microwave is a good fit for dorms, small apartments, and--of course--offices. We in fact have one installed in Carol's office; she has been happily warming various (petite) snacks for days, even when they don't actually need to be warmed.

Interested parties can pick one up at the Sharper Image (or, at least they could...), via SkyMall, or by calling 877-492-8328. The Cube runs $129.95.