So, the iPad is finally available for pre-order, and it turns out the half of the Giz staff that bought one aren’t alone: CNN estimates Apple received about 120,000 iPad pre-orders on that first day alone.

That 120,000 number is mostly a guess, but is also probably right: Using sampling, they subtracted Apple’s typical daily online sales (about 16,500) from its Friday online sales. The sampling’s too small to be exact, but they also took a look at what model those customers were going for—and it turns out they probably haven’t read our lovely poetry, the fools. Purchasing was split almost exactly among the 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB models, although nearly 70% opted for the Wi-Fi-only model (possibly because the launch of the 3G model is a bit farther off). Like I said, it’s an unconfirmed estimate, but those are extremely strong numbers for a new-category product like the iPad. [CNN via Electronista]