With operations disrupted at more than a dozen hard disk drive factories due to flooding in Thailand, there is an expected shortage that could be significant. This shortage scare has already lead suppliers to increase the cost of hard drives, some as much as 300%. Laptop prices have also increased by roughly $150 because of this shortage.

The full extent of the damage to hard drive industry factories will not be known until the floodwaters recede, although it is certain that the Hard Drive supply shortage will last into the first quarter of 2012, and that is being optimistic.

Needless to say, fulfillment of hard drives orders are becoming increasingly more difficult and will affect vendors ability to meet demand. We are suggesting new systems versus trying to replace the hard drive as the cost might be worth it in the long run.