There are desk fans and then there are desk fans.

I used to think the Vornado was the desk fan to have - nearly silent and ferociously powerful. But it's like a mini round Darth Vader sitting on your desk.

With a ball-bearing motor this Propello desk fan is also silent, but it's see-through and sleek. The rubber blades are, thank God, pliable - so we're okay with the cageless design. Tempting as it might be, I still wouldn't go poking pencils or fingers in it when you're procrastinating. Designed by Black and Blum.

Get it at the MoMA Design Store.