We're just a short way into 2010, and already, things have been great for stock investors. If you're looking to let the good times roll, you'll need to know which stocks will be the best performers in 2010 -- and that's why we turned to our Foolish readers to tell us their thoughts.

To help whet your appetite, our Foolish contributors looked at 13 different stocks, all of which are looking to build on the gains that the stock market put in during 2009. We then asked our readers to decide which of those stocks deserved to go on to the second round. Based on your votes, we came up with a list of five finalists, and let your votes pick the best of the lot.

Judging from the results, it's clear that investors have had enough of playing it safe. Despite the presence of several solid businesses, two aggressive picks fought it out for the top spot.

Honorable mention
Three stocks with strong appeal to value-oriented investors didn't put up much of a fight. Perennial favorite Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK-A) (NYSE:BRK-B) didn't live up to its past performance, coming in with just 14% of the vote. Two of the stocks that Berkshire includes in its portfolio of stock holdings, Costco (NASDAQ:COST) and UPS (NYSE:UPS), didn't have much better of a showing, despite trading close to 52-week highs at the moment.

Not all that glitters is gold
The main battle came down to two stocks. Fool contributor Christopher Barker laid out the case for Silver Wheaton (NYSE:SLW), which has benefited greatly from the increase in silver prices. It stands to see even further gains, should the bullish case for precious metals play itself out to its full potential. Already this year, the company has risen by 16% -- but apparently, voters aren't convinced that silver can sustain its strong run over the past decade.

Take one tablet and call me in the morning
With a dominating 34% of the vote, winner Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) clocked in as readers' favorite pick. Despite having a huge 2009, there's plenty to like about Apple. Rumors of its tablet device have overshadowed competing products such as Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) new Nexus One phone, and its unique combination of innovative products and unmatched customer loyalty convinced voters that the stock could keep defying gravity.

This is your last chance to weigh in -- will Apple live up to its promise, or will another stock rule the roost? Chime in with a comment below, and here's hoping that you have a profitable 2010!