So I have an iPad 2 and an iPad mini which seem to have similar problems. Both are recognized by iTunes as being in recovery mode. The problem is that when iTunes tries to upload the latest firmware to the iPad iTunes just hangs on waiting for iPad. Both iPads boot up to the Apple logo and show an empty status bar underneath the logo and that's it.
I've put both logic boards under a microscope and there are no obvious signs of damage. I was hoping that someone on here may have solved a similar problem or at least had some trouble shooting directions. I've tried multiple PCs and doc cables but no luck.