Tablet computers among most popular household gadgets

Several new devices have been released during the past five years and shaken up the hierarchy of devices within the household. Research by the Pew Internet and American Life Project reveals which are now the most popular.

According to the organization's poll, 19 percent of respondents say they now own a tablet computer. That tied with the 19 percent who said they have an e-reader. At 88 percent of Americans, the cell phone is by far the most popular household gadget. Fifty-seven percent of respondents said they have a laptop.

Without question, researchers say, the rise of mobile technology has had the most profound impact on the devices Americans use each day.

"Groups that have traditionally been on the other side of the digital divide in basic internet access are using wireless connections to go online," the report states.

Separate research released as part of the ongoing Pew project also shows how tablets and e-readers have affected people's reading habits. In February 2012, 21 percent of respondents said they have read an e-book, which is up from 17 percent in December 2011.