Mac users just can't kick the Windows habit

While popular wisdom says 'once you go Mac, you don't go back', new research has revealed that the majority of Mac users also harbour PCs in their homes.

According to a study by analyst house NPD Group, while the percentage of Mac households is inching upwards - reaching 12 per cent this year compared to nine per cent in 2008 - Mac users are still attached to their Windows PCs.

The research found that nearly 85 per cent of homes with an Apple machine also own a PC.

The typical Apple household tends to be fond of its hardware, owning twice as many gadgets as the average home, according to VP of industry analysis at NPD Group, Stephen Baker. Apple households are also more likely to own several computers: 66 per cent of Apple households have at least three computers, compared to just 29 per cent of PC homes.

Perhaps unsurprisingly given their higher spend on electronics, the statistics show Apple owners tend to be wealthier than the average consumer. According to the research, 36 per cent of Apple computer owners reported household incomes greater than $100,000, compared to 21 per cent of all consumers.

An earlier survey conducted by NPD revealed consumers who were willing to buy an expensive computer were most likely to go for an Apple Mac over any other brand, with 91 per cent of all computers sold for more than $1,000 being Macs, according to the report.

The Mac vs PC debate could soon progress to another form factor: recent rumours have suggested Microsoft is planning a dual-screen tablet codenamed Courier, to compete with Apple's equally unconfirmed tablet, thought to be due for release in 2010.