If you're using a phone with a designated desktop mode (Samsung Dex), try replacing your computer with your phone for a while. Depending on your needs, you may find you don't often need a computer.

My wife has a 7FE ($429 at Best Buy right now in the US.) and she loves it. It's basically her personal computer and she is also a big digital note-taker and annotates documents as well. She used to have a Tab 8 but wanted a bigger screen. She's not noticed any difference in performance moving to the FE.

I would also add that Tech Spurt's YT channel is a great one for mid-range, very real reviews of tech.

Without a clear budget, my recommendation would be to figure out the note taking app you want to use, then look for a tablet that runs that app well.

With that said, the S pen experience is top notch and I would recommend a Samsung tablet for the smoothest pen experience.

I've seen this rumored as well. It would be a welcome addition to the devices IMHO.

I went from a Samsung to a Pixel. I appreciate the camera on the Pixel. It produces pictures closer to how I like them. But I really miss being able to use dex with a monitor to adjust them.