BRAND NEW iPad Air2 won't sync with iTunes 11.4

I still haven't been able to sync my brand-spanking-new iPad Air 2 using iTunes 11.4, os x 10.6.8. Updated to 9.1 thru iTunes and wham!! totally useless iPad. Haven't gotten any further...it's laying dead in the box it arrived in (along with my trust in Apple).

So many problems/issues with just as many suggestions/solutions! I don't know where to turn....help!