Part mobile hotspot, part projector, and part Android tablet, the ZTE-made Sprint LivePro ($449.99 or $299.99 with a two-year contract) is an audacious digital multi-tool. This Franken-device made its debut at CES, where it simultaneously left us in awe and scratching our heads. It's a self-contained, portable presentation room or home theater, depending on your needs. But is it an unholy matrimony of mobile tech, or are ZTE and Sprint onto something?

For the vast majority of people, the LivePro will simply be too expensive and not useful enough to justify the cost. If you need a hotspot, grab the Netgear Zing Mobile Hotspot, our reigning Editors' Choice on Sprint. If you need a portable projector, check out the AAXA P4-X Pico Projector, another Editors' Choice. But if you do find yourself constantly on the road, giving impromptu presentations or entertaining unruly kids, the LivePro could be a godsend, thanks to its no-hassle, all-in-one design.

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Design, Connectivity, and Plans

The LivePro is an unassuming brick of black plastic, measuring 4.7 by 4.7 by 1.1 inches (HWD) and 14.1 ounces. It's by no means pocket friendly, but easily slips into most bags and can fit into larger coat pockets. The top plate is covered by glass and houses the 4-inch LCD and capacitive navigation buttons. There's a focus wheel and Power button on the left edge, with a flap covering the SIM and microSD card slots. An exhaust fan sits on the right edge, while a built-in kickstand and threaded tripod hole are on the bottom. The back edge houses the DC power input, a full-sized USB port, and a full-sized HDMI port. You can use the USB port to charge other devices, or use the included full-USB-to-full-USB cable for connecting the LivePro to a computer.