Keeping iPad apps when syncing to new PC. Computer crashed, moved iPad to new. I just went through this myself.
Here's what you need to do: 1) Without connecting your iPad to your laptop, start iTunes. How to Restore iPad Backup. This can't really be right.
I've got a few hundred apps, when I plugged it into my MacMini it asked if I wanted to transfer and I clicked yes. ALL my apps (a couple hundred) except for 4 transfered to the MacMini. I'm certain that a large percentage of those that did transfer were purchased on my MacBook Air, then installed via sync on my iPad. iTunes Store: Transferring purchases from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to a computer. Languages If you purchased items from the iTunes Store and the only place you have them stored is on your iOS device or iPod, you can transfer them to any computer that is authorized for your iTunes Store account.
This feature adds an extra layer of protection against losing your valued purchases.