[jherdman]

You're right in noting that Rubinstein did not say that no one at Palm has ever used an iPhone before. I can virtually guarantee you that any of the CEOs you mentioned that are worth their weight in salt has at least tried the products you mentioned. That is what the author is getting at. He's concerned that Rubinstein has not used an iPhone at all.

As an aside, "a Mac" is a computer, "a MAC" is a network identifier.

[jayliew]

Seconded. Imho the person at the top has to really understand their product, and understanding the capabilities and shortcomings your product includes understanding the competitive landscape. Even if he doesn't compare his phone to iPhone, his target market does.

The company is doomed if the guy doesn't understand their product - and the competitive landscape.

I think he's lying through his teeth (and a bad liar at it), or he is genuinely blind. I think it's the former.