Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, other e-readers gaining, says study

(CBS/CNET/AP) - Looks like the number of people who read paperless books is on the rise.

A new study finds that 12 percent of U.S. households own some kind of device for reading electronic books - such as Amazon's Kindle or the Barnes & Noble Nook.

The 12 percent figure is three times the number of households that owned such an e-reader a year ago - a figure that indicates the technology is gaining rapid acceptance.

The study was published Monday by the Pew Internet and American Life Project.

One factor in the growing acceptance of e-readers is pricing. Prices for e-readers have dropped rapidly in the past 12 months.

The cheapest models are now available for just above $100. And with devices like the iPhone and iPad featuring reading apps, that helps the numbers, too.

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