You are referring to the 10.1 tablet? I know its not the same but I had a Note4 and was pleased with its note taking ability. I imagine that with the extra screen real-estate the tablet was even better. It looks like they are $453 on Newegg! I agree that does seem crazy for an old device. If you can put up with a used device there are two on swappa for around $200 https://swappa.com/buy/samsung-galaxy-note-101-2014-wifi
If it truly is the hands-down best note taking tablet you might as well buy them both and standardize to the platform.