Is there an easy to understand way to sync photos from an iPad to a laptop running windows?

Spare yourself the frustration, use Photo Manager Pro.

https://itunes.apple.com/sg/app/photo-manager-pro/id393858562?mt=8

You might also consider iCloud...

http://www.apple.com/icloud/features/

http://www.apple.com/support/ipad/icloud-itunes/

FWIW I use iCloud to sync my calendar and contacts (but not photos) between an iPad 4, iPod Touch (4th gen), a Win 7 desktop and a Win 8 laptop.

You are asking this question

"Is there an easy to understand way to sync photos from an iPad to a laptop running Windows?"

You do not sync photos from the iPad to a computer - you import them to the computer. It really doesn't get an easier to understand than what is explained in this kb article.

iOS: Importing personal photos and videos from ... - Support - Apple

If you are asking about syncing photos from the computer to the iPad, that is something different. I do not have Photo Manager Pro but I do have another Wireless Transfer app and it could not be easier to use. I suspect that there is something missing from your description of what you are trying to do.