It’s unclear how long Apple’s (AAPL) rally will continue, but for now, let’s look back on one of the most incredible stocks in recent history.

Let’s not forget how Apple was merely a $20 stock back in 2004 and 2005. A pebble in the electronic market, little more than a tick on Microsoft’s (MSFT) back. Those times have quickly changed, and Apple is capturing one of the largest profit margins in the industry.

Investors were quite curious about the “iPod” in 2001, as a set back Steve Jobs introduced the revolutionary device to a crowd of no more than seemingly 100-150 people. The stock hit the ground running from there. As the evolution of newer devices and more cross-platform technology was introduced by Apple, investors saw the opportunity to jump aboard (me being one of them).

Shortly after a nice run, Apple had a 2-for-1 split on February 28, 2005. Many took their profits and let the stock take its course, but nobody could’ve expected Apple’s near future. By that time, Apple has introduced the iPod mini, soon afterwards, the first iPod shuffle was created. The stock didn’t stop.

Each time a new product was announced, the company quickly popped in stock, and investors were questioning every move. Consumers were eating up Apple products, not Creative or SanDisk products. How could this be? It was a simple result of pure brand power. The company had captured the attention of the World through the consistently sleek designs that were now an expectation of the company’s end results.

The most influential move had yet to come. The stock had actually been suffering for quite some time. Slipping from an all-time high of close to $90 per share in January 2006. Then, in January 2007 Apple came back into the spotlight. The MacWorld event at Moscone West was due to start, and months of rumors had been floating around. In the end, many of the rumors were hardly far from the truth.

The iPhone was introduced and the stock immediately jumped over $100 per share. Took the Americas by storm, and propelled Apple into the mobile phone market. While rumors speculated over various concerns, Apple prepared for the launch date and delivered, with thousands of phones selling the first day.

Now, Apple consumers and investors have plenty to look forward to this upcoming holiday season. From the iPhone to the all-new iPod touch, those stockings will be full of products dawning the little Apple logo. With rave reviews already being placed into young kids’ brains, parents will be looking for any way to get their hands on these one-of-a-kind products. Looks like it’s going to be another nice holiday for AAPL.

Below is the original event in which Steve Jobs announced the iPod:

Disclosure: Long Apple Inc. (AAPL)