The company remains the same — Netflix isn’t selling off or completely separating from the DVD side (yet). But this move may help customers feel less anger over the whole situation. Instead of paying $16 or so a month to Netflix, you pay $7.99 to Netflix and $7.99 and up to Qwikster. You’re still paying $16 for the whole package, you’ll just see two separate items on your bill. That’s good, right? Psychological games FTW?

Even though the company remains the same, the Qwikster team and the Netflix team will be separate, and Qwikster even gets its own CEO: Andy Rendich. On the front end, there will be no cross-communication between the two services. If you need to change your billing information, you’ll have to do it on both sites. Want to review a movie? Gotta do that twice, too.

In addition to DVDs, Qwikster will also finally start renting game discs for Wii, PS3 and Xbox 360. “Members have been asking for video games for many years,” Hastings said. “And now that DVD by mail has its own team, we are finally getting it done.”

Other than separating the billing and making customers feel like they’re not paying too much money for either service, I wonder if Netflix is preparing for a time when no one wants the DVD-by-mail business, anymore. It will look better, when the day comes, if the company can say “We’re shutting down Qwikster due to low subscriptions,” instead of “We’re shutting down a whole section of Netflix due to low subscriptions.” Given that Netflix began life in the DVD mailing arena, the fact that they chose to keep that brand for the streaming service says volumes.

Honestly? That doesn’t bother me one bit. If the DVD-by-mail thing goes, I won’t cry. I canceled my 1 DVD at a Time thing a month ago because the last disc I received is still in the red envelope. And though Starz is beating their chest and pulling content from Netflix, it’s clear that the media watching public wants their digital streaming media and, if they don’t get it, they’ll just pirate the media, anyway. On-demand, instant access to entertainment is what people want. Media companies can only bottle it up for so long.

The end result for Netflix could be a far stronger streaming service with more recent TV episodes and day and date movie availability. That’s my hope, at least. Might be a while before we get there…

The official split between Netflix.com and Qwikster.com will come in “a few weeks.”

Netflix To Re-Brand DVD Mailing Service As Qwikster; Apologizes For Everything But Silly Name is a post by K. T. Bradford from Notebooks.com.

How to Install Apps like Angry Birds on Windows

1. Your first step is to install the Intel AppUp Center which is available for free from Intel and runs on anything from an Intel Atom powered netbook to a Core i7 notebook. Unfortunately, you can’t use it on MacBooks.

2. After you Install the App Up Center, you can browse the games like Angry Birds, Flight Control, Fruit Ninja and more as well as apps for education, business, productivity and more. Basically, you have access to a wide range of software in one location, just like the app stores you are used to on your phone. The Intel AppUp store has an added bonus of being chock full of apps that will work on low power netbooks.

3. When you find an app you want, you just click install and the app will download and install so that you can play it or use it whenever you want to.

Favorite Intel AppUp Apps for Notebooks and Netbooks

• Angry Birds for Windows – $4.99 – Need we say more?
• Fruit Ninja for Windows – $4.99 – Slice and Dice fruit before it falls off the screen.
• Flight Control HD for Windows – $4.99 – Free for a limited time – Land planes in this fun and crazy game
• Alchemy Classic – Free – Fun game has you match elements to form new elements
• Boxee – Free – The entertainment of Boxee on your netbook.

These are just the tip of the iceberg, the Intel App Up Store has a large number of fun games and apps as well as business and productivity tools to keep you productive on your netbook or notebook.  If you have a favorite, let us know.

How to Get Apps On Your Notebook and Netbook (Angry Birds, Flight Control, Fruit Ninja & More) is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

MSI GX780 Quick Specs

Inside the GX780 you’ll find a 2GHz Intel Core i7 Sandy Bridge processor, 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 555M, 16GB RAM and the ability to add dual 750GB hard drives in Raid 0. The 17.3″ display has a 1600 x 900 resolution or you can opt for a full HD 1080P resolution.

MSI GX780 Keyboard

What MSI is hoping sets this notebook apart from the crowd is the inclusion of a steelseries keyboard that is optimized for gamers and delivers a collection of controllable LED backlighting options. MSI claims one of the advantages is a more durable keyboard, but doesn’t share how the keyboard is more durable.

What is clear, is that MSI has thought through the key placement to make sure that gamers aren’t hitting the wrong buttons in the middle of an intense gaming session. One way that MSI has achieved this is by replaceing the left Widnows key with a function key and making Ctrl and Alt bigger.

Another improvement is the Golden Triangle ergonomic layout of the often used A, W,S,D, Ctrl and Spacebar keys to deliver a more comfortable position for your hands.

Finally, before you get bored with this keyboard talk, it’s worth mentioning that the gaming keyboard supports up to 10 key-presses at once, allowing users to get complicated key combos in.

MSI GX780 Audio

Rounding out the experience is a Dynaudio audio experience with 2.1 sound including a subwoofer in the base of the notebook. MSI says that it has worked with creative to deliver an optimized experience.

MSI GX780 Design

Finally, gamers not looking to light up the room will appreciate the clean design which ditches the typical LED lighting found on many notebooks for a “spacecraft” like brushed aluminum finish.

MSI GX780 Price and Availability

MSI has not announce pricing or availability of the MSI GX780.

MSI GX780 Gallery

MSI GX780 Gaming Notebook Launches with Gamer Optimized SteelSeries Keyboard is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

There is no specific reasoning why these games are not available by default, but one could guess because of their targeted audience and environment, Microsoft chose to have them disabled. Thankfully, if you want to play, you can turn games back on easily in business versions of Windows 7.

How to Enable Missing Games in Windows 7

Click Start, type: turn windows

Hit Enter on your keyboard

After the components of Turn Windows features on or off load, check the Games folder or expand it and check off the games you want to play.

Click OK to confirm changes

If you are connected to a Windows Server Domain with policies set in place that might prevent you from accessing the Turn Windows features on or off components, you will need to contact your Administrator for assistance.

If you’re at work, don’t let your boss catch you!

How to Enable Missing Games in Windows 7 (Quick Tip) is a post by Andre from Notebooks.com.

The move is definitely an interesting one, but seems natural in an era where Apple has launched its own Mac App Store to address the software needs of Apple users. Whether the move is made to align retail stores more properly with demands–as in there isn’t as much demand for games at stores–or if it’s in a bid to push sales through its Mac App Store channel where Apple receives a 30% cut like it does on the iOS App Store is unclear. However, as the company has proven that the Internet can be leveraged in a way to drive volumes of sales through iTunes, it could perhaps promote the App Store for users as an elegant way to shop without having to interrupt what they’re doing and head to a retail store. The best part about the Mac App Store is that users can see reviews and Apple can push similar, new, or popular titles to users to generate more discovery leading to more sales.

According to the The Loop, games, software and accessories will still be stocked, but won’t get valuable floor space in front of consumer’s eyes. If you know what printer you want based on your search on the Apple online store, you can perhaps tell a sales associate at your local Apple retail store to grab it from the back storeroom.

Part of Apple’s retail store strategy at the time when the company began opening up storefronts is to educate consumers on the robustness of Macs and the Apple ecosystem by showing consumers that there are programs available for the Mac that will allow them to do similar things that they’re used to with a PC. Also, there are a lot of accessories, peripherals, and hardware that will be cross-platform compatible between Windows and a Mac. As such, software and hardware accessories were designated large spaces in Apple stores. Over the years, Apple has trimmed down the accessories that were showcased at its stores–it had shed camcorders and digital cameras that were initially used to promote compatibility with iPhoto, iMovie, and Final Cut, and now printers and hard drives may be gone soon.

Apple Focuses on Macs at Retail Stores, Removes Games From Shelves is a post by Chuong Nguyen from Notebooks.com.

1. Words with Friends Free – Words with Friends is a fun multiplayer scrabble game. It’s recently gone cross-platform to Android so you can play with even more friends than ever before. The best part is that it’s turn based, so you don’t need to be constantly playing. Just make your move, close the app, and you’ll be notified when your opponent moves. Games commonly occur over a few days, so it’s perfect for playing when you’ve got a few idle minutes to make a move, without having to pay constant attention to your phone. There’s also a pass-and-play option if you just want to play with a friend in the same room.

2. Cube Runner – This ancient game pre-dates the App Store itself but is still a joy to play. Cube Runner was originally a game for hacked devices only, back before Apple even created the App Store. Since then it’s been made officially available through the App Store but still maintains it’s ease of use. You are a simple triangular ship in a world of cubes. Tilt left and right to dodge cubes and rack up points for as long as you can stay alive. Better yet, find a friend with an iPhone and compete for high scores. Cube Runner also has two surprisingly great tracks if you enjoy yourself some techno.

3. Papi Jump – A classic Papi game where you try to set the high score by jumping higher and higher.

Platforms become more sparse as you ascend, making it more difficult to continue onward.

Don’t forget that you can teleport from one side to the other, Pac Man style, to reach a platform. Also has online leaderboards to rank you with the best of the best. Easy to pick up, surprisingly hard to put down.

4. Space Deadbeef – The name will never make sense to us, but the gameplay is great. This is a sidescroller where you’re flying a ship that can fire 10x it’s own mass in missiles.

Targeting is intuitive: just slide your finger over targets to fire chains of missiles. This game came out ages ago and has been begging for more content ever since.

Unfortunately we haven’t seen any additional content, but what’s there is absolutely fun to play. Levels get harder as you repeat them.

5. Paper Toss – Another ultra simple but super fun game. Paper Toss emulates a classic boring work environment in which you’ve got nothing to do but toss a ball of paper into the trash can.

Depending upon how you swipe the screen, the ball of paper will curve to one side or the other. A fan is introduced to change the wind speed and how hard you need to fling it to either side. Score is kept by how many continuous shots you can make. This is another game where you can pick up and play for just 5 minutes, but you’ll have plenty of fun in that short amount of time.

6. Shotgun Free – Surprisingly more of a game than you’d think. Shotgun Free tasks you with moving your iPhone or iPod as if you are cocking a pump-action shotgun, then quickly pulling it back like a recoiling gun. Satisfying cocking and firing sounds ensue, but it’s there’s actually more to it. If you want to unlock different sounding weapons you’ve got to accomplish some sort of task. Perhaps that’s 100 fires, or 10 in-game achievements, such as a particularly fast firing time, or firing 10 shots in a short period of time. It’s actually rather addicting to try to get the motion just right for a split-second shot!

7. Jelly Car – This great game looks like it was drawn with crayons and has completely human made sound effects that will make you smile even if you don’t want to.

Drive your Jelly car around the jelly world and try to complete stages in as little time as possible. Need to cross a big gap? Tab your car to grow to several times it’s normal size, but be quick, this ability only lasts for a short time!

Jelly Car is a favorite for iPhone owners of all ages.

8. MazeFinger – This is one of those games that feels like it was meant to be played on an iPhone or iPod Touch. The goal is to simply guide your finger through the maze as quickly as possible, but it gets harder.

You’ll have to avoid skulls that will take one of your lives, and have to time the blockers just right to get through. You get rated at the end of each level and each set of levels. You have a set amount of time to complete a level set, so if you do poorly on the first level of the set, you’re going to pay for it in the subsequent levels!This is a fast paced game with great feedback.

9. rRootage Online – If you’re a fan of the “shmup” or “bullet hell” genre of top down arcade game, you’ll love rRootage. It might not have the fancy art of some of the established titles, but it’s free and has four game modes which all play somewhat differently.

Definitely read the help menu to understand the different modes if you’re a newbie, or jump right in to the wireframe gameplay and play through 160 stages of increasing difficulty.

Good luck, you’ll need it!

10. Lightsaber Unleashed – And I have to leave you with this one for number ten. Who hasn’t wanted a Lightsaber at some point in their life? Well, this is about as close as your going to get. If you’re not too embarrassed to wave your iPhone around like you’re crazy, or have a suitably private place to pretend that you’re a Jedi, then you’ll love this app. Better yet, find a friend and duel them, it’ll bring you’re childhood back in a rush of lightsabery glory. Be an ultra-nerd and customize your own lightsaber by choosing the color and hilt.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these ten free iphone gaming gems. If you’re looking to drop a bucks on some premium content, check out Kevin’s guide to 12 great paid iphone games.

10 Excellent Free Games for the iPhone and iPod Touch is a post by Ben from Notebooks.com.

Angry Birds – $.99

This is the most popular iOS game out and its one of the most popular iOS apps of all time. You launch angry little birds at a house full of pigs trying to knock it down while getting a high score. It is ridiculously addictive and often frustratingly fun.

Madden NFL 11 – $.99

This is the popular football sim game from EA Sports. With the NFL season over now, you can get your football fix by playing this game. It is not as good as the Xbox or Playstation versions, but it is still a lot of fun.

Flight Control – $.99

In Flight Control you do your best to guide all kinds of planes, and even helicopters, to a safe landing by dragging a path across the iPhone touch screen onto a runway or landing pad. After a while it gets more challenging with more aircraft on screen at once. The addiction level of this game is very high.

Lux DLX 2 – $4.99

Even more fun than the official Risk version, this clone lets you conquer the world one country at a time. You can even load it up with fun maps made by users. If you like Risk, you will love Lux DLX 2.

Modern Combat 2: Black Pegasus – $6.99

The Modern Combat series is the most enjoyable first person shooter on the iOS platform. Version 2 is just as good. Kill the enemy and win the game.

Real Racing 2 – $4.99

If you like racing sims, this is the best one for the iPhone. There are a bunch of cars to drive including Mustangs, other muscle cars and sporty drifters.

Moonlight Mahjong – $.99

This is the tile matching game that many of us have been playing on computers for years. it actually is a real board game, but most of us know it as a casual computer game. This one is beautiful with nice music and great looking tiles. The board moves around in a 3D environment making it easy to see tiles even if they are hidden when looking at it top down.

N.O.V.A 2 – $6.99

Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance is a first person shooter in space. Killing aliens is a blast, literally!

Plants v. Zombies – $2.99

This game is so much fun that we had to delete it to get anything done. It is a tower defense style game where you plant various plants in the yard and they hurl their veggies at an oncoming attack of zombies of varying degree of strength. If one gets to the door, your dead. We love the lawn mowers mowing down the near dead invaders. But be careful as this one will suck you in quickly.

Harbor Master – $1.99

Like Flight Control above, you have to shepherd boats and ships with cargo to port. The thing that makes this one a little more challenging is that you also have to send them on their way. Both are done by dragging across the touch screen.

SimCity Deluxe – $.99

The Sims is fun, but we love SimCity. Besides Doom this was the first game we got hooked on when it came to playing games on a computer. The iPhone version isn’t nearly as fun, but close. You are asked to build your own city and keep it from destroying itself or getting destroyed by disasters while making the citizens happy. Or you can play one of the scenarios where the city is built but there is a specific challenge to overcome.

Chicktionary – $1.99

This is a word game that kids love, but we know an adult who can’t stop playing it herself. She’s a school teacher and uses it with her class as a reward with her iPhone on her document camera projected onto the pull-down screen. She gets her kids to do almost anything by just saying, “We’ll play some Chicktionary afterwards.”  The game shows seven letters and you have to make as many words as possible in a time limit.

Verizon iPhone: 12 Best Paid Games for the iPhone is a post by Kevin Purcell from Notebooks.com.

The rise in 3D notebook shipments is credited to the increase demand in 3D games and 3D movies.

At the Consumer Electronics Show, Lenovo, Dell, Toshiba, Sony, Fujitsu, and others have demoed new 3D laptops; Toshiba’s laptop is one of the few that doesn’t require glasses and uses head tracking technologies.

Currently, according to DigiTimes, “shutter glass 3D panels are supplied mainly by Samsung Electronics, Sony, Chimei Innolux and Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT), while polarized 3D panels are supplied by LG Display and AU Optronics (AUO).”

3D displays are beginning to gain momentum in the smartphone and mobile space as well. Sharp has introduced the Galapagos glasses-free 3D Android smartphone and LG is expected to unveil its Optimus 3D Android smartphone at the Mobile World Congress trade show this month in Barcelona. Nintendo is making its push into 3D with Sharp’s glasses-free display on its 3DS handheld gaming console.

3D Notebooks to Double Market Share in 2011 is a post by Chuong Nguyen from Notebooks.com.

Steam is a web-based service that allows PC and Mac gamers to download and play most popular video game titles. The games can be played on multiple computers and don’t require a physical disc, which means there’s no waiting for the mail or for your local store to get a copy of the game you want in stock.

Some of the 75% off titles from Steam include Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Dirt 2, Metro 2033 and Monkey Island 2. Aliens vs Predators is only $6.80 after a 66% discount.

Visit Steam.com for more Cyber Monday game deals. You can also check out our Cyber Monday Laptops page for more great deals.

Cyber Monday: Up to 75% Off Games at Steam is a post by Xavier Lanier from Notebooks.com.

Call of Duty: Black Ops has an MSRP of $59.99.

If you’re not familiar with the Call of Duty: Black Ops, please take a look at this trailer before buying it for your younger loved ones. It’s rated M for mature for a reason. The game is extremely violent, foul language is scattered in just about every scene and your character’s tasked to kill people in just about every corner of the world. While you might want young kids playing Call of Duty: Black Ops because of this kind of content, this is exactly what draws teens and adults to this game.

Call of Duty: Black Ops follows the story of a special forces fighter as he conducts covert missons during the Vietnam War era. The campaign mode is a bit more strategic than previous installations of the Call of Duty franchise. Rather than simply blasting everything that moves, Call of Duty: Black Ops requires you to sneak around and get crafty.

Many gamers couldn’t care less about Call of Duty: Black Op’s campaign mode. Instead, they simply want to jump online and play in multi-player mode. The game has multi-player maps of all sizes and something for everyone. Gamers can customize their characters like never before. You can spend a good amount of time changing out uniforms and customizing your weapons.

How to Win Call of Duty Black Ops

If you’ve read this far that probably means you’d like to win a copy of Call of Duty: Black Ops for yourself or a loved one. Entering to win is easy, just answer the below questions in the comments section below. You must answer all three questions in the comments if you want to be entered to win a copy Call of Duty: Black Ops.

1. Which gaming system would you play Call of Duty: Black Ops on if you won this giveaway?

(we need to know so we can send you the right version)

2. Why do you prefer gaming on the PS3/XBOX 360/Wii/PC?

3.  Besides Call of Duty: Black Ops, which game  is the BEST game out there that’s on your Christmas wish list? What makes it so great?

Only one entry per person is allowed. This giveaway is only open to U.S. residents aged 18 and over, where allowed by local regulations. Multiple entries will be disqualified. We’ll pick a random winner via Random.org next Friday, December 3, 2010.

Visit Notebooks.com’s Black Friday page to learn more about shopping for gadgets on Black Friday and throughout the holiday season.

Good luck!

Giveaway: Call of Duty Black Ops is a post by Xavier Lanier from Notebooks.com.