While only a few years ago internet users were tied to their Ethernet cables, today a majority of Americans (56%) have logged on to the Web from a wireless device. Roughly a third have used the internet from a mobile device (such as a cell phone) and 19% did so yesterday. In December 2007, only a quarter of Americans (24%) had gone online with a mobile device. Four-in-ten have used wireless internet via a laptop computer, while small percentages have used gadgets such as PDAs (7%) and game consoles (9%) to go online. Of those using mobile devices, 50% say it is very important to have mobile internet access to stay in touch with other people and 46% say their mobile access is very important so they can get information on the go. Read More

Russell Heimlich  is a former web developer at Pew Research Center.