I agree, carry them on, don't check them.

Our last few trips I've made sure our chips were in something clear....in flips in a baggie, or a plastic box, a chip tube would work too. Then, just before going through the security check, I pull them out of the carry on and put them in the tray that goes through the scanner...along with metal ashtrays, money clips, anything else that might look "funny". It makes it real easy for them to look at the items. They always stop the belt and look in the tray, then look back at the screen, back in the tray....and then pass us through.

I just figure there's no need to make anyone (especially the security people) nervous.....