Sure seems that while you are accustomed to getting a two year warranty, you also do not want to pay the price for it. You may be envious of the prices we pay in the US and Japan, but a large part of the reason for the German higher prices could very well be the two year warranty you so highly desire and expect.

Carriers do not give away anything for nothing and warranty replacements cost carriers big bucks. As others have pointed out here in the US a one year warranty is usually the max. When you get a one year warranty you usually are not going to find the cheapest price.

It is really the old "pay me now or pay me later, but you will pay". Companies that are in business are there to make money. They are not going to become a not-for-profit enterprise simply because another country has strict warranty rules in place.

It is really simple economics. If they have to cover a warranty for twice what they do elsewhere the item will be priced accordingly. Users who do not make use of the warranty overpay and those who seek warranty replacements or repair for any little blip will underpay. It all balances out.

SteveTaz