Exclusive Books
If you're an EB Fanatics member, you've most likely heard the good news. Exclusive Books has partnered with Uber Eats to bring good reads direct to your door! All you have to do is download the Uber Eats app, enter your address and get clicking away to find the latest local and international bestsellers on offer. Exclusive Books stores are also open, so you can pop by if you prefer to do your book hunting in person. Alternatively, browse through their website and order online. Delivery is free on orders over *R450.
Bridge Books
Bridge Books is an independent bookstore located in downtown Johannesburg. If it's local fiction, biographies or unique titles you're after, this is the place to go. Under level 4 lockdown, Bridge Books will be offering contactless collection at their Maboneng store, as well as delivery across Johannesburg. If you would like to visit their store in person, please contact them on 079 708 4461 to book an appointment, as only two customers will be allowed into the store at a time to facilitate physical distancing. If you prefer to shop online, click here.
Love Books Jozi
Do you love books? So do Love Books! This community bookstore offers rare gems that you aren't likely to find anywhere else. Their passion for good literature, good wine and great conversation (about books, of course), is exemplified in every aspect of their business. During level 4 lockdown, Love Books will be open to a limited number of customers, with the strictest hygiene procedures in place to protect both you and their staff. You can also order books by emailing them on [email protected]
Bookdealers
Are good quality, second-hand books and collectibles your cup of tea? Visit any one of the Bookdealers stores around Johannesburg to find the very best in rare editions, signed copies of your favourite books and the latest bestsellers. If you aren't quite ready to venture out into the big, wide and scary world just yet, order online for collection or delivery. Bookdealers is offering vouchers redeemable in store, as well as 20% discount on online orders for the remainder of the lockdown. Click here to get shopping.
Loot.co.za
Students attending online classes and parents homeschooling their kids will be delighted to know that Loot.co.za is back up and selling children's readers, textbooks and fiction reads under level 4 lockdown. Browse through their online selection to find all you need to ace those assignments or simply keep the kiddies entertained. Delivery is free on orders over *R350, so get busy buying!
We understand that times are tough right now and that buying books may not be on your list of essentials. However, if you would still like to get stuck into some good reads while at home, visit the Gauteng Virtual Library to borrow books for free!
Anker
Founded in 2009, Anker is the brainchild of a group of friends working at Google. Their vision being to create a world where mobile means mobile. They are one of the leading brands in mobile power. With a range of power bank capacities and sizes, you have options to choose from to best suit your power and style requirements.
Our best pick: PowerCore+ 10050 with Travel Pouch – the world's smallest 10 000 mAh portable charger, smartphone and tablet compatible, charges devices 75 per cent faster with up to eight hours battery life after just 15 minutes of charging.
Buy: Available on Amazon and selected local retail outlets.
Boostcase
With a simple concept which states that 'function isn’t design without fashion and fashion isn’t practical without function', Boostcase is definitely the brand for all the fashionistas out there. Though Boostcase does not provide the traditional power banks, they have the power cases which more than double your phone's battery life.
Our best pick: Hybrid Battery Case for iPhone 6/6s Plus – a capacity of 4 500 mAh, detachable power sleeve that can be attached with just a click, available in black or gold, over 100 per cent more battery life, and a toggle-switch to turn battery on or off.
Buy: Available online and selected local retail outlets.
Swiss Mobility
'One great product is worth more than a million mediocre ones', is what Swiss Mobility lives by. They have range of power banks compatible with all iPhones, iPads, Androids, tablets, smartphones, e-readers and other USB devices. Their power banks are immaculately-designed and are lightweight, small and fast-charging.
Our best pick: Rugged Powerpack 6000 – dust and waterproof, 6 000 mAh capacity, shock resistant shell with drop protection, over 27-hours of additional talk time, lanyard slot, built in dual LED safety lights, dual USB port charges two devices at once.
Buy: Available online, on Amazon and selected local retail outlets.
Adata
The Adata mobile accessories range combines the latest technology with convenience and functionality, to ensure great products for their smartphone and tablet customers. With various styles and colours to pick from, personal style and preference is catered for by the brand. With different power bank capacities, you're sure to find the perfect match for your specific mobile needs.
Our best pick: Choice PC500 Power Bank – fun and colourful options to pick from, 5 000 mAh capacity, 80cm long cable, power level indicator, smart energy saving component that automatically switches off power bank when devices are fully charged or disconnected.
Buy: Available on TakeALot and Loot.co.za.
Lenmar
By listening to and being inspired by customers while creating breakthroughs with emerging technologies, Lenmar has over 1 200 power-related specialty batteries, portable battery chargers, and external portable energy to the consumer electronics, information technology and industrial tools markets. What's more, Lenmar products are environmentally-friendly!
Our best pick: 2 500mAh Portable Power Pack with 1 USB for mobile phones – compatible with mp3 players and other USB devices excluding tablets, slim and light in weight, doubles phone battery life, recharges with the included micro USB cable.
Buy: Available online, on TakeALot and Loot.co.za.
By Cleopatra Shava