I bought this fan to go next to my treadmill as I wanted it to blow on me, not my legs.  This was the one that went the tallest, so that is what made me choose it.  I'm SO glad I did; it's a powerhouse!  It doesn't seem that loud (but again, I'm huffing and puffing on a treadmill while it's running) and it is very sturdy, even at its tallest height.  I thought the 'face' seemed small when I saw it, but it definitely gets the air going!