Image for multiple PC deployment

Hi have a query

i want to dpely windows 7 across around 10 PC's but minimise user downtime, as such i intend to install manually using retail versions of the software then update to the specifications i need. all the final workstations will need to be the same.

i have 3 pc's to roll out, then i will drag 3 in, upgrade, redeploy and so on, thus meaning that noone will loose much productivity to downtime.

whats killing me is that after install, which takes around 30 mins including office and other bits of software, the patching and updating of windows on each machine to latest KB updates is taking forever!! so with say 10-15 new pcs all trying to install updates within few hours its going to slow the network to a stop.

is there anyway i can take one of the pc's i have finished, image the updates and software installs then patch them all onto a new clean install of retail windows 7????

i have looked at all sorts of networkable options such as microsoft system essentials or symantec ghost, but none will allow a stand alone image creation off network that i can tell

help!!

thanks in advance for any advice

Ben

Take a look at this tutorial:
Windows 7 Installation - Transfer to a New Computer

Using the Backup option.