Let's get this out of the way: The Galaxy Note II is a very big phone. It's tough to use with just one hand, and you may even feel a little ridiculous holding it up to your ear, so be prepared to use a headset. That said, Samsung has done an amazing job minimizing the phone's heft and keeping it extremely slim, and it is easier to hold than you'd expect. This is no Dell Streak, and it will fit comfortably in a jacket pocket, and only slightly uncomfortably in a pants pocket. If you're prepared to carry it (and pay at least $299 for a two-year contract with one of the major U.S. carriers), you'll be rewarded with a bright, sharp 5.5-inch display that's great for watching movies, playing games, reading and writing email and texts, and taking notes using Samsung's unique S Pen stylus. You'll also get very good battery life, a fast processor that can handle the most demanding games and apps, and software designed to take advantage of the S Pen -- though some of it comes with a bit of a learning curve, and not all apps are stylus-friendly. If you want a phone that will double as a small tablet, or like the idea of using a stylus to take notes or sketch on your phone's screen, you won't find a better option than the Galaxy Note II. Just try it out first, and make sure your pockets are big enough to both pay for it and carry it around.
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