Hi, I’m Judie Lipsett.

I got my start in late 1999 by answering a software reviewer request at the now defunct smaller.com. By mid 2000 I was an occasional reviewer at The Gadgeteer. Within six months I was Julie Strietelmeier’s writing partner, and for the next six years I had the privilege of being part of the Gadgeteer’s enormous growth from a well regarded enthusiasts’ site into a world-wide recognized authority on gadgets, gizmos and their accessories. Due to the foundation of my years of work at the Gadgeteer (while writing under the name Judie Hughes) and my continued work here at Gear Diary, I have earned a solid reputation as a respected gadget reviewer.

Over the years, I’ve been mentioned in Popular Science, The New World of Communication and many other web, television, and print sources. I’ve been profiled by several online sites including Born Rich, My Open Wallet, Elite Choice, and Rohdesign, and my reviews are regularly quoted all over the web. I co-wrote a monthly column for the Philippine magazine, The Reviewer, and I was a recipient of the 2006 Sigma Kappa Colby Award. I am a member of Mobius, and as such am recognized as a member of its “invitation-only community of the world’s most influential technology pundits and online writers.” I am also proud to be part of the reason why The Gadgeteer won recognition as a member of C|Net’s Blog 100.

In addition to editing Gear Diary, I have contributed (or still contribute) to Girls Gone Mobile, MYiPhone, pocketnow.com, Geek.com, Just Another Mobile Monday, SlashGear, Clinton Fitch (Dot) Com!, and Pocket PC Thoughts; I am a contributor to the Just Another iPhone Chat; I have also been (or am currently) on the panel of judges for both Handango’s and SmartPhone & Pocket PC Thoughts Magazine’s Software awards.

I started Gear Diary on September 30, 2006, and my goal was that it not be an easily labeled site. We all have gear that we use daily - some of it electronic and some of it organic. I think it is fascinating to explore the equipment that makes our lives easier, more entertaining, more productive, and more manageable.

My hope is that Gear Diary visitors will find this site to be a comfortable and friendly place to discuss interesting topics, as well as a location to discover various types of gear - whatever that term may end up implying - that they never knew existed.

My specialty is in-depth reviews written in a layman’s terms,

because…

Everyone can understand technology;
sometimes it just takes a little translating.

You can view my Flickr, watch my YouTube videos, watch my Google videos, watch my Vimeo videos, peruse my Amazon Wish List, or send me an email. I’m also on FaceBook and Twitter. If you are nice, then I’ll add you; if you’re a stalker-type, then I’ll sic my attack cat on you. Think I’m kidding? Then you haven’t yet met Avah.

For those who are interested in my current daily gear:

• I am using an Apple iPhone which is carried in a gorgeous purple Vaja i-volution Silver case; my other phone is a Vertu Ascent, which is definitely the best “dumbphone” I have ever used. I am trying to decide which Windows Mobile phone I will buy next..

• My laptop is a MacBook Pro, which is running Mac and Windows (I try to be OS agnostic).

• My favorite mouse is the Kensington SlimBlade BT TrackBall.

• I have two cameras - a Canon G9 and a 5D. I love photography, but recognize that I still have so much to learn.

• I want a UMPC, but so far haven’t seen one (actually available, anyway) that makes me go oooh.