Cellphones, Computers Are the Most Commonly Owned Devices % of USS adults who own each of the following devices
For example, e-reader device ownership has fallen. Today, about one-in-five adults (19%) report owning an e-reader, while in early 2014 that share was a third (32%). Ownership of MP3 players has not had a notable decline, but the percentage of adults who own one has hovered around the 40% mark since 2008. And computer ownership levels have stayed roughly where they were a decade ago. These changes are all taking place in a world where smartphones are transforming into all-purpose devices that can take the place of specialized technology, such as music players, e-book readers and gaming devices. Some of the changes in device ownership patterns are particularly evident for young adults. Among those ages 18-29, ownership of MP3 players and computers has declined by double digits in the past five years. In 2010, three-quarters of 18- to 29-year-olds owned an MP3 player; by 2015, only half (51%) had one.
Cellphones continue to top of the list. Roughly nine-in-ten American adults (92%) own a mobile phone of some kind. Although these mobile devices are ubiquitous today, the share of adults who own one has risen substantially since 2004, when Pew Research conducted its first poll on cell ownership. At that time, 65% of Americans owned a cellphone.
Cellphones, Computers Are the Most Commonly  | Owned Devices  | % of USS adults who own each of the following devices  | Cellphone, including  | 92  | smartphones  | 73  | Desktop/laptop computer  | 68  | Smartphone  | Tablet computer  | 45  | MP3 player  | 40  | Game console  | 40  | E-book reader  | 19  | Portable gaming device  | 14  | Source: Pew Research Centersurvey conducted March 17-April 12. 2015.  | Smartphone data based on Pew Resea rch.uusvey conducted June 10-July12,  | 2015. Smartphone  | PEW RESEARCH CENTER 