IPad 2: DOA - Errors 9, 28, Demands to be Restored

Question

An overall unimpressed Apple customer here in Rochester, NY. After an incredibly tedious launch event shrouded in mystery over units on hand, long lines, long waits, and the usual upselling, I managed to acquire one of just 15 iPads on hand at our local Best Buy store.
And after all that, no joy.
The symptoms:
Initial power up shows Apple logo, then screen goes blank and remains so after repeated power up, reset attempts.
After plugging in unit, iTunes immediately recognizes trouble in paradise: Unit is in restore mode and must be recovered before use. No serial number, version, or other information visible.
Attempts to recover unit bring these results.
Attempt 1: Error code 9, unit aborts recovery.
Attempt 2: Error code 9 again -- I shut down and reboot computer.
Attempt 3: Appears to successfully recover unit, but moments after initial sync, horizontal lines appear on screen briefly and unit shuts off. Will not restart.
Attempt 4: Try to perform same procedure an another computer with fresh install of iTunes. Error code 28 the result after multiple attempts.
Attempt 5: Place unit back in box for return to store.
Other notes: Unit fully charged from included power brick. Was 16GB Wi-Fi white model.

Answer 1

Try this process;
1. Disconnect the USB cable from the iPad, but leave the other end of the cable connected to your computer's USB port.
2. Turn off the iPad: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons at the same time. Keep holding the buttons until the iPad powers off. When the iPad turns off, release the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons.
3. While pressing and holding the Home button, reconnect the USB cable to the iPad. When you reconnect the USB cable to the iPad, it should power on.
If you see a screen with a depleted battery, let the iPad charge for at least ten minutes and then start with step 2 again.
4. Continue holding the Home button until you see the "Connect to iTunes" screen. When this screen appears you can release the Home button. If necessary, open the iTunes app on your computer. You should see the "recovery mode" alert.
5. Use iTunes to restore the device.
Dah•veed