There are various factors:
* VAT is always included unless (if its aimed at business solely, like IBM, then this doesn't seem to be the case, but then that is being mentioned)
* Relatively low EUR. The EUR also isn't doing so well compared to the USD.
* Storage tax. This to compensate the entertainment industry.
* Environmental taxes.
The price you see in store is the price you're gonna pay (excluding S&H but the seller has to inform you on that before the sale is finalized). I find that practical.
> since they preclude inexpensive short-term-use or disposable electronics.
Which I consider a great thing because its better for the environment (although not good enough).
I'm not interested in buying a new phone every year because the software isn't updated anymore, or because the battery isn't allowing me to use the phone for a whole day anymore.
That's why -after burning myself with various cheap and expensive brands- I got myself a Fairphone. No, it isn't perfect and it won't run the latest version of Android, but at least it will have all security & reliability fixes backported. Monthly. At the very least its a step in the right direction, and the Fairphone is leading by example.
> * Relatively low EUR. The EUR also isn't doing so well compared to the USD.
For a non-Euro holder visiting Europe, doesn't that mean things are cheaper in Euro [the currency] countries? Most companies do not adjust the price of their products often.
This differs per jurisdiction, but in general you are entitled by law to receive a working device without flaws. In my jurisdiction this even extends beyond warranty. For example, you can expect a car, a door, or a guitar to work beyond 2 years. This law is irregardless of what you paid for the product or what the perceived quality is. The law even extends to software updates (security & reliability fixes).
As for Apple, they managed to ship my MBP 2010 with a broken discrete GPU yet fail to replace it. They also try to scam customers into buying extended warranty which basically is an anti harassment tax.