Option 1 : all PC with exact same hardware configuration (same HAL)
Install Windows, install your applications, configure it as you want, then Ghost the PC and activate the option to generate a new SID and ComputerName when installing. When you will deploy, Ghost will generate a new SecurityID and a random CN. If you use DHCP, you set to go as its almost PnP.
Option 2 : differents PC with slighly differents config
Install Windows, install your applications, configure it as you want. Run Microsoft SysPrep to generate a clean Windows install. SysPrep will erase personnal data from the computer and will also set windows to run a MiniSetup when re-lauched (ie. when installed on a new PC). The mini setup can be automated via script and the main advantage of running SysPrep is the fact that it will redetect all PnP hardware in the PC and generate a new HAL. After SysPrep complete the clean up of the PC, it will shutdown then you just have to Ghost the disk and deploy this image.
I highly suggest the second option since it will work on both Laptop and Desktop with the same image and this will also simplify the applications deploiement if you only deploy Windows in the Ghost. Differents dept can be setup to have specific applications installed. FYI, i've managed to have Windows XP Pro Corp, Novell Client 4.83, 97 differents drivers, 30meg of patches and few script all included on the same CDROM once Ghosted with VeryHighCompression (-z9). Putting it all on a single CD allow you to send CD to branch offices.
I've deployed Windows 2000 to 5000wks for a client and Windows XP to 4600 wks for another customer and they are both very happy with the effiency of this method. Less than 8 minutes to install Windows XP and join the NT Domain.
-Hyp