• TechMarkit has announced the launch of its Laptop Library programme.
• The retailer will make notebooks freely available to South African consumers to use when they need access to a computer.
• The Library will “lend” you the notebook for a nominal refundable deposit.

TechMarkit, a local retailer specialising in pre-owned and refurbished consumer technology has announced a new initiative called the Laptop Library Programme.

Much like a real library, which are few and far between these days, this new offering from TechMarkit will allow South African consumers to borrow a notebook should they need access to a computer for longer than an internet cafe charges.

Borrowing is free for all intents and purposes, but it is worth mentioning that you’d need to pay a nominal deposit for access to the notebook which is refunded upon safe return of the device.

“Through TechMarkit’s Laptop Library Programme, customers will have the opportunity to ‘borrow’ a laptop for a week. All you need to do is visit TechMarkit’s Rosebank Mall store, pay your nominal R500 refundable deposit, complete the lending form, and take the laptop home. Return it on the stipulated date to TechMarkit’s Rosebank Mall store and your R500 deposit will be refunded. It really could not be simpler,” the retailer explained in a press release sent to Hypertext.

“We believe that education is a fundamental right, and every student deserves the opportunity to access technology that will support their learning and enable them to succeed. The Laptop Library Programme is our way of contributing to the community and supporting students who are facing financial difficulties and anyone who is need of access to a laptop for whatever reason,” added David Hirsch, CEO of TechMarkit.

The retailer has not mentioned the specification or performance level of the notebooks that will be lent out, but It will be interesting to see what the uptake for such an offering will be, and if it does prove popular, whether TechMarkit would ever consider going the rent-to-own option.

For now though, those interested in trying out the Laptop Library can found out how to contact the retailer’s Rosebank Mall location here.