I must admit that as a phone, the Note would probably be too big for my preference. Having said that, the first time I saw a GS3 I thought it too large, now I have had it a month or so I don't think that I would enjoy a smaller screen again. It really didn't take that long for the size to become the norm. As for one handed use, I can carry out most things with one hand, i.e. sending texts and e mail (Any keyboard I use is located where my thumb would be optimised in use), anything that resides at the top left of the screen (Which is very little) I use my other hand, but that is very infrequent.
I still have an upgrade available, I will take a look at the Note among other phones.