Not bad, Apple.  Not bad at all.

According to a press release this morning, Apple sold 300,000 iPads on Saturday.  Though the number falls short of Gene Munster's estimation of 700,000, the number is no small feat.  The sales number includes all channels: pre-orders, Apple store sales, partner sales (Best Buy), and others.

“It feels great to have the iPad launched into the world—it’s going to be a game changer,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “iPad users, on average, downloaded more than three apps and close to one book within hours of unpacking their new iPad.”

Here's an interesting tidbit - 730 people visited Apple's Manhattan flagship store on Saturday to purchase the iPad.  Compare that to the 530 people that visited for the iPhone 3G (with 270,000 sold on launch day), and 350 for the iPhone 3GS.  All in all, a great day for Apple!  Did you pick up an iPad?  Give us a shout in the comments!

Via BGR