CNET News.com reports that Apple users and Star Trek fans are the biggest group of internet users who download podcasts. The statistics were compiled as part of Nielsen/NetRatings survey on US internet users.

Audio podcast downloaders’ favourite website is Macworld while Startrek.com is the most visited website of downloaders of video podcasts. The Nielsen/NetRatings report also reported that the majority of people who download audio or video podcasts use Safari, hinting that Apple users may download the most podcasts. That wouldn’t be surprising, since IMHO Mac users are ahead of the curve in technology most of the time.

Also intersting is something that Michael Lanz, an analyst at Nielsen/NetRatings said: “Competitors to the iPod are now in the marketplace, but Apple got a big head start. It will take time before other portable media players make significant in-roads with the early-adopters who are currently podcasting.”

Darn right.

Putting things in perspective, only 6.6% of US adults surveyed said they had downloaded audio podcasts within the last 30 days, and 4% had downloaded video podcasts. From my experience, I think that’s about it, if not less, in terms of podcast penetration here in Malaysia too. If so, Malaysian podcast consumption trends will follow US trends and podcasting should become more and more popular here too.

So, what are your fave podcasts? PC users, do you or don’t you? Speaking of podcasts, has anyone been following the Rocketboom saga?