is there any possibility of the hdd prices becoming normal again.
definitely they will become normal again as its only due fall in production levels.
but we may have wait untill 2013.
merger of Samsung-Segate and WD-Hitachi may also affect prices.
reasons for price rise
Disk fab output pumping up, prices 'to stay high and dry' ? Channel Register
In addition to disk drive factories being ruined by devastating flood waters, component makers were damaged too - pushing up part prices - and hefty relocation costs for manufacturers shifting their assembly lines have swelled price tags too.
i hope technologies like HAMR would come into play to further increase density leading to fall in prices. But that would take atleast 2-3 yrs. Meanwhile SSDs should continue to achieve more capacities and reduction in prices to threaten hard drive market.