Tablet computer, e-reader ownership explodes in U.S.

NEW YORK — A study finds that 12% of U.S. households now own a reading device for electronic books, such as Amazon's Kindle.

That's three times the number of households that owned an e-reader just a year ago, pointing to rapid acceptance.

The phone survey published Monday was conducted in April and May by the Pew Internet and American Life Project.

Prices for e-readers have fallen rapidly over the past year. Barnes & Noble's Nook is growing as a competitor to the Kindle. The cheapest models are now available for just above $100.