Examining some of the key emerging trends in European technology markets, the data clearly show a huge rise in the number of people who now own a personal computer (PC). This is particularly so in France and the UK. The level of UK PC ownership is in fact 10% higher than in any other European market, with 44% of all Brits now owning one. The Germans and the Spanish are more likely to have bought a PC over two years ago. This fact has contributed to the slowdown in these countries' recent PC markets.

Use of home PCs varies enormously by country. In Germany, Spain and the UK, PCs are likely to be used as much for education as they are for playing games. "Home-working" across the countries is most noticeable in the UK at present. But in terms of time spent as a "mouse potato", the data indicate that Britons spend less time in front of their PCs than other Europeans.

Looking at the mobile phone market, the results point to their seemingly relentless rise across Europe. Penetration in Spain and the UK has grown particularly fast, with ownership here growing by 64% and 93% respectively since 1999. Overall penetration rates for mobile phones are now so high that the traditional male ownership bias has diminished significantly. However, in Germany, which has the lowest ownership level, the market is split 60:40, male/female.

The survey also investigates the phenomenon of technology "early adopters". The received wisdom is that these creatures are typically young and male. The results confirm this to be broadly the case by gender for Germany and the UK. A less distinct bias exists in France, Italy and Spain. In these countries, the ratio of male to female early adopters is around 60/40. The survey data on technophiles' age also confirms the stereotype, with the majority of early adopters being between 15 and 34 years. This is with the exception of Germany, where the largest proportion are between 35 to 44-years.

The TGI Europa survey is based on a sample of 65,000 adults living in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK.