Seagate announced that the lack of plate-based HDs should remain a problem in 2012, even though improvements should come over the coming months. If we know that Seagate is not really impacted by the massive flooding that affected Thailand end of last year, such announcement might simply be a way to keep the news networks under the impression that there will be a lack of HD in 2012, so that the price will most likely stay high... or artificially high... Would it be possible that HD manufacturers could be using the situation for artificially keeping price up base on a passive/active agreement between them?

Seagate also announced that computer manufacturers are trying to sign long-term contract for securing plate-based HD supplies. In addition, Seagate is also planning to launch auction on batches of HDs, and will start with a test for 200,000 units in the coming weeks...