Originally Posted by
MSPpete
I brought a new IPad2 on a DL flight from MSP to ORD in June. In original packaging. I just put the whole box thru the luggage scanner. No problem!
You were never required by the TSA to remove tablets from their packaging, so your story, while obviously nice for you, does not help the OP.
I would suggest he doesn't take any risks, and just unpack the laptop to allow removal at security to be simple. I can imagine how unpleasant it would be to unpack a packaged laptop at security. You risk misplacing the items in the box and delaying those behind you.