Q: installed iOS 8.1 on iPad2 now iPad totally frozen on apple logo.

I had the same problem while updating iPad 2.  I think there are two methods to update the IOS:

1) With iPad connected to a computer, choosing update through iTunes

2) Without connection to a computer, via software update through settings

I chose the first one.  As everyone else, I got stuck through the update and I reset the iPad by holding down the power and home keys together. Unfortunately, the update did not proceed after the reset unlike many others in this forum.  I saw a message saying I had to plug into the computer and iTunes told me I had to update or restore the iPad.  I chose update.

Then I went to sleep, and in the morning my iPad was freshly updated.  I don't know how long the process took.

Hold the button on the front while pressing the button on top until the iPad shuts down (hard shutdown). You should be able to then start the iPad and get back to the previous IOS. Works for me but no idea what to do about the current update.

After doing this and I try to backup to iTunes I get a message saying the backup failed due to no space available, I have 170 gb free space on my computer. The update is still in a que but not yet installed.

Looking at ABOUT in GENERAL settings I have no network access, neither Network or Wireless. The Cellular Data Number is "Unknown" as is the Network. It continues to Search for a cellular connection.

I restored from backup. Cellular network is not working, something got hosed big time.

I think Apple didn't consider us older iPads and screwed up with this release.

I recovered from the 8.2 update by pressing the HOME button and POWER button at the same time until it shut down.

Restart the iPad.

Go to GENERAL - USAGE then find IOS 8.2 update and delete the app.

I'm back to 8.1 and all is well. Think I'll wait for a while before trying again.

Our iPhone 6's and iPad 3 updated fine.

Sounds like you were lucky SuperD03...most of us who updated and had our iPad croak were not able to get our desktop back because we were in an infinite loop and thus could not go to GENERAL, no matter how many times we pressed the home and power button.  Your info. is great though for folks who had your version of the update travails.  Thanks.

i tried the same thing, it worked for me.  Thanks!

totally worked for me!! thank you!!!

Right. Cannot get off the Hello screen. Slide does not work. Reset a few times but does not recover. Plenty of battery and memory.