[monkey]

If u r familiar with computer components (or u know someone who has decent knowledge about PC) only then u should go for assembled PC otherwise there is big chance that u will taken for a ride by the assembler. In such scenarios Branded PC r better bet. But luking at the budget and ur need for latest, assembled PC r the only choice since branded PCs will cost u more for the latest stuff u r luking for. U have to balance between both.
As for the laptop, assuming u have budget of around 35k, I suggest u go for acer or then Zenith. But consider increasing the budget a bit more so that u can touch Dell (which r better value in lower performance range).