In 2003, respondents identified their home phones as thetechnology they valued most, followed by TV, cell phones andInternet access. At the same time, the percentage of consumerssaying they would have a hard time giving up their Blackberry orother wireless e-mail device has increased six-fold in the pastfive years, from 6% of American adults in 2002 to 36% in 2007.

Industry insiders say it's the age of digital lifescapes, orlifestyles formed through the fusion of technology, socialconnections, information and communication.

New technologies have become more important because of greateruse, industry experts explain. The Center for the Digital Future atthe University of Southern California Annenberg School forCommunication describes computers as increasingly widespread. In2002, 29% of the households surveyed did not have a computer andonly 3% had four or more. Today, only 19% are without computers and9% have four or more.