Miniature fans are just so standard fare as office accessories for the long hot days of summer. International Trading Kansai Co. has crafted something rather more compelling, a minifridge that looks like a giant egg. Available in 6-liter and 10-liter sizes, the gadget gives you the option of keeping its contents either cold or hot, although an English person would inflict the latter on beer. The unit caps its act by boasting the ability to emit a blue glow, for a bit of ambient lighting. For details, see www.topone.co.jp/tamago.htm

Tiny robot: Miniaturization has long been the byword in electronics. Sanyo and Tomy stuck with the winning formula for their new i-SOBOT, which the Guinness Book of Records has dubbed the world's smallest robot. The beastie, including all 17 of its servo-engines, stands just 16.5 cm in height. Powered by three of Sanyo's top-drawer Eneloop AAA batteries, the robot can be operated via remote control and also responds to up to 10 vocal commands. It will go on sale in October in Japan at a price of 31,290 yen. More information is at robot.watch.impress.co.jp/cda/news/2007/01/24/338.html

Sony goes iPod: If you can't beat 'em, jump on their bandwagon. Sony is contributing to the iPod accessory fad with two new gadgets. The ICF-C1iP is a clock radio sporting an iPod dock. The wireless remote control allows you to access the iPod's menu, as well as offering radio tuning and volume functions. The alarm clock can be set to wake you up to the lilting sounds from your iPod, the less predictable tones of the radio or the all-too-familiar clang of a buzzer. Partnering it is the ZS-S2iP, a boom box with an integrated CD player to back up your iPod. For details: news.sel.sony.com/en/image_library/consumer/portable_audio/detail?asset_id=30792