Old School: You shake it, shake it like a, well, you know what kind of picture. Nothing beat the instant gratification of the original Polaroid (R.I.P.). That is, of course, if you were able to develop the picture without making it streak, run or smear. Not to mention there was no recourse from an ill-timed blink.

New School: Poladroid, a favorite Mac app available for non-Macs just this month, turns your best digital shots into retro Polaroid lookalikes, complete with Polaroid borders and a realistic bit of fading around the edges. Download the application (for free) and turn any picture into a vintage-chic shot, allowing yourself to be amused by the fake processing sound effects while you wait for your film to “develop.” You pick the shots to process, so there won't be any nasty, unflattering surprises when all is said and done. Think of it as perfect photo synthesis.