The note 2 is an awesome little device. It is slightly too big for day to day portable use, when compared to devices under 5 inches. The slight half inch actually made a big difference to me, in two ways. One was pocket fit, the other, one hand holding.
It's not that the note 2 doesn't fit in a pocket, or that it can't be held with one hand. It is that the size is just pushing that almost uncomfortable boundary of both pocket fit and one hand holding. This is completely 100% personal preference though, and that should be "noted" if your shopping around for something like this. Just because I don't enjoy it's size doesn't mean you won't. On the contrary, I think people carry small bags (purses, messenger bags, backpacks) around all day and don't mind double handing a device would probably really like the note 2.
The cool thing about it is it really depends on a persons day to day habits and how you manage your personal belongings. I'm a straight up pocket guy. I don't tend to bring backpacks or small bags with me unless I really need to.