despite the iPads poor note-taking experience?
I take my notes all the time on my iPad (since last month on a mini) and have no problems at all. I guess you aren't using the right applications. Before that, I was using OneNote.
If you can get away with only 1 device (an iPad e.g.) depends on your job. I am a project manager working all over EMEA and the only thing I take with me is my iPad mini. I can work on my MS Project plans, connect to the company over VPN and access my shares using FileBrower and edit all Office documents. I use the VGA adapter and give me presentations straight from my iPad. The other device I use but hardly take with my when travelling is a Macbook Air as you are thinking about. Can only recommend it.
