Unfold this 24-inch monitor as a second screen for your smartphone

It doesn't matter if it's the best or most practical product, as long as it's weird enough to be sort of cool. That's the only way some will seriously consider one of the most intriguing Kickstarter projects we've seen in recent memory -- a fold-up device that gives you a large, second display for your smartphone or laptop.

No, it's not made of a new plastic material that folds up; instead, it uses traditional mini-projector dynamics, cleverly executed to give you a reasonably useful second screen.

The Spontaneous Pop-up Display (or SPUD) is a 24-inch screen that folds up into a small, two-pound, book-sized form when not in use (easy to toss into a backpack). It quickly springs to full size like an umbrella when needed, with minimal wrinkles, according to the creators of the device. Delivering 1280x720 resolution, the device has a battery life of three to six hours and comes with a built-in speaker.

Using either a wireless adapter or HDMI cable, the SPUD can be connected to both Android and iOS smartphones, tablets and laptops. However, if you're familiar with portable projectors, you know that even the best are never as good as a full-fledged computer monitor.

Because of that, it's probably not the best solution for graphic designers who need razor-sharp clarity, but otherwise it looks like a great solution for turning your mobile device into a more robust workstation, at least visually.

The big caveat here is that it's a Kickstarter campaign, which means the quality and ability to deliver the product on time isn't necessarily guaranteed.

Nevertheless, the device, which is being offered for $349, has already raised over $159,000 of its $33,000 goal. The SPUD is expected to ship to backers in June of 2017.