The correct answer is      (C.)  Apple (AAPL)

In October 2001, Apple released its first iPod music player. The original device was roughly the size of a pack of cards, held about 1,000 songs, and operated for close to 10 hours on a single charge.

For a device that would soon become a household name, the initial reaction to the iPod was lukewarm at best. But initial criticisms didn't register with consumers. In its most recent fiscal year, Apple reported selling more than 51.6 million iPods; sales of iPods, music, and related devices accounted for nearly half of Apple's total sales in 2007. And according to industry-data provider NPD, Apple continues to dominate the media player market with a market share of more than 70%.

Apple's shareholders have been amply rewarded for the company's success -- Apple's stock rose more than +2,000% since the iPod's October 2001 launch, compared to a roughly +70% gain for the Nasdaq Composite and just above +50% for the S&P 500 over the same time period. That means a $10,000 investment in Apple on the day it launched the iPod is now worth more than $210,000.

The wave of growth that follows these magic moments routinely powers tremendous returns for well-placed investors. Apple jumped into digital music with iTunes and the iPod just as the technology was reaching its tipping point of widespread consumer adoption. Apple shareholders have since benefited handsomely from that move.

At various times in history, personal computers, automobiles, cellular telephones, television and the Internet all reached similar tipping points. Investors who recognized these shifts stood to make tremendous gains as growth accelerated.

What is the next paradigm-shifting product that could propel a company's stock to those quadruple-digit gains that made Apple's investors cheer?  StreetAuthority editor Paul Tracy and his staff have sorted through thousands of opportunities in order to find the answers.  In the latest issue of the Market Advisor newsletter, they present an in-depth look at a technology that is just at its tipping point -- the point at which investors can catch the "big wave." To learn more about Paul's picks, or to learn more about the Market Advisor newsletter, please visit this link.