iTunes content is not synced by definition - iTunes content is transferred only. It is called an iTunes sync process with most data transferred in one directon only, and other data such as contacts, calendar events, and Safari bookmarks can be synced by defintion with a supported application on your computer.
iTunes includes an option to transfer iTunes content that was purchased/downloaded from the iTunes store from an iPad, iPod, or iPhone, but this is for iTunes content that was purchased/downloaded from the iTunes store only.
If the new computer has been authorized with the iTunes account with iTunes, with the iPad connected and without syncing, at the iTunes menu bar go to File and select Transfer Purchases From - the name of the iPad.
Photos that were transferred to the iPad from the dead computer will be lost. Photos transferred to the iPad via the iTunes sync process is a one way transfer process only. Photos transferred to the iPad are optimized for viewing on the iPad - the original resolution of these photos is reduced, which is why transferring these photos in the opposite direction is not supported. All photos transferred from your computer should be included with your computer's backup along with all other important data - along with your iTunes library as well.
For future reference.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1751
Had this been done, no iTunes content on your iPad would be touched when syncing the iPad with iTunes on a new computer - assuming all iTunes content on your iPad is in your iTunes library, which should be.
