I never said it would be foolish to pay your bills, however paying them on credit would be foolish, because you're charged interest against that purchase.  You'd be better off doing a direct (EFT) payment if you have the funds, but wiser still to pay monthly via EFT or check.  How does one get away with not paying for electricity for an entire year or be forced to pay a year in advance?

You didn't elect to use a 1:1 analogy.  You used an absurd analogy.  The EFA plan offers consumers a low entry price of $100 at the cost of $38.74.  That's incredibly cheap.  If you purchased that same device on a credit card, you had fair to good credit (which means you're doing very well) and had a credit card with an APR od 20%, your monthly payments would work out to $15.30.  If you repaid that purchase at that rate, at the end of four years (48 months) you'd end up paying $734.40.  

Is a 9% simple interest rate better than 20% APR computed daily? 

Is paying $38.74 better than $734.40 or more?

Again, not every person can afford to plunk down $300 or $360 to make a purchase.  I remember when I was in my early teens and 20's and I certainly wasn't able to do that.  For the person that can afford the cost of the console through the EFA and they can afford the monthly payment, you don't see this as a good deal for them?  They should either pay fully, use a credit card, or buy it through rent-to-own services.  This isn't a valid, affordable option?  Is that what you're saying?

Considering a very large amount of purchases would be by credit anyway, the deal isn't so bad and likely works out cheaper. So the consumer gets cheaper credit, MS gets the sale. I don't see what the problem is.

it can play all xbox games why not count it? seems like you just want to ignore whats there

Are you aware of mobile/cell phone plans? Sure, some phones can be $2000 but a majority would surely be closer to the neXbox price range than not.

With the exception of cars and homes, I pay for everything outright. It's just smart shopping and prioritized spending. This is what's good for all consumers.

Wow, clearly someone doesn't see there is a major difference between the 4GB Xbox and 12GB PS3.

The 360 doesn't have huge updates or required installs like PS3. You can also expand the storage space of the 360 with USB memory sticks (up to 64GB with two 32GB sticks). On the PS3 12GB, your only option for additional space is a HDD and that 12GB can be filled too easily.

Not even close to the same thing. A 4GB 360 can last you quite awhile before you even have to worry about upgrading memory with a simple thumb drive.  A 12GB PS3 is essentially worthless. Sony has a GT5 bundle coming, right? According to the people who made that game, you need to set aside 10GB of free space just to get the "optimum experience". But too bad the game also has over 4GB of required updates. So right off the bat just to play one retail, non-downloaded game, you're stuck losing 1/3 of your HDD space. And it's not even possible to play it in its best form.

4GB model counts, as does the 12GB PS3 model.

I'm not always happy to live in germany, but when it comes to money, I really like the attitude of people around here. We save money - a lot. You barely see any credit cards around here. And something like that subscription plan would never work here. I think it wouldn't work anywhere in europe. Personally, I just don't like contracts. I also use a prepaid card for my Xperia Z, which I bought without a contract. It's just the only way a device is yours instantly. When buying on credit, the device belongs to the company you bought it from until you pay the very last cent. I just don't like that feeling. Also, how the hell should I know if I'm even using a device for two years? Maybe I don't like it after 6 months. If I paid upfront, no problem, I sell that sucker and that's that. If I pay a monthly bill? That would rally get on my nerves.

However, people are different. That EFA Plan is a nice additional option for people who are into buying on credit. It's nothing wrong with it as long as it's optional. More options are always welcome. I personally don't like the idea behind it, but I also don't have to take that offer. So everything's fine if you ask me.

Sad that you relate these two. Just sad.

No service fee for PS, Ninty, or PC/Mac.

Think about it.

Have you? Mobile phones are a necessity to some, not all. Even me, I certainly don't need my phone but every time I break one, leave it at home, loose it, I feel like I do need it, I seriously doubt I'm alone here. They're used as entertainment devices too... hence the "handheld market is dying" rumor. Look how games like angry birds sell? Shit loads. Isn't Sony also going into some form of rent to buy thingy next gen?