I have received a new laptop as a gift. I'd rather not open the package and carry the laptop onto the plane, so it seems I have two reasonable options:
Checking the package in as luggage.
People often believe that it's a terrible idea because thieves can easily steal checked luggage (even though a TSA lock is used), and it may get damaged due to the careless transfer of bags.
Bringing the laptop into the plane as carry-on.
In this case, I'm wondering whether security personnel will make me unpack the laptop to scan it or if I can bring the package untouched as my carry-on. Furthermore, I have a backpack including another laptop, so I have to carry (the package of) the new laptop in another bag (with the standard carry-on size associated with the airline). All in all, I don't know whether or not this plan is promising.
Which of these choices would be preferable? Are there others? Does anybody have a related experience?