[jasode]

A high-profile counterpoint is RIM engineer and (former) CEO Mike Lazaridis. Even after seeing the Steve Jobs iPhone demo in 2007, his engineering and logical mindset was convinced that businesses would not adopt a device without a physical keyboard and that push email was more important than an apps ecosystem. He didn't see that the consumer engagement with iPhone was so compelling that the user would do an end run around the corporate IT departments (by buying the device on their own) and kick off the BYOD movement.

But setting aside some business missteps, it seems like engineers/CEOs are better for companies (especially tech growth companies) than MBAs. It was after all, Lazaridis' background that helped RIM achieve so much success that they could afford to pay $600 million to NTP in 2006 and also be in the competition with iPhone.

[collyw]

I personally would prefer the physical keyboard option, but we seem to have touch screens forced upon us. (I know there are a few models out there, but none were offered on the contract I asked for).

I am unable to answer the phone around 40% of the time (before the caller hangs up), due to the stupid swipe gesture I need to do. A physical green button was orders of magnitude more usable and reliable.

[DougWebb]

I can't upvote you enough. The only smartphones I've gotten have been in the Motorola Droid family because of their fullsize slideout keyboards, and like you I still miss the physical buttons for basic phone functions.

[username42]

I think that becoming an Apple follower was the misstep of RIM. RIM was the leader on the market of professional phones with keyboard. I am a geek, I need a phone with good keyboard and good battery life (big touch screens have a negative impact on battery).

[UK-AL]

A lot of MBA's are also engineers. I think the biggest chunk of MBA students are engineers.