Thanks, everyone, for the responses.
You are probably right. For me, given the choice between laptop and large tablet, in most scenarios, I think I’d almost always choose laptop because of the better typing experience, because it lets me use a trackpad for non-touch applications, and because it stands up more rigidly on non-ideal surfaces such as a lap. The times I could see choosing the tablet is when I need to use it while standing, or when I need to present things. But I don’t find myself in those situations often, not enough to sacrifice the advantages of a traditional laptop.
I do however like the idea of using a pen for writing and drawing, so I’m still interested in SP3 just for that. I’m just trying to see if there are other use cases that would compel me to get a SP3. Still not sure.
Yeah, i find that my surface is never used in tablet mode if it's for any form of productivity etc. tablet mode for me is just for what tablets are for, consumtion, internet etc. the note taking was pretty much the sole reason i went with the sp3 instead of an ultrabook (university lecture notes). I had originally been sceptical about it's usefulness in such a scenario but onenote and the pen have proven invaluable for me. Not sure how i'd feel about holding the thing in tablet mode while doing a presentation, i did it once and it was just that little bit too large, heavy, and unweildly, think the S3 would be much better suited for that kind of application.
With regard to stability, i know all the reviews harped on about how it was not lappable, but i have to disagree. Once you get used to the fact that it is not a clamshell, there is nothing wrong with it. I actually like it a bit more as unlike a clamshell where you pretty much have to have your legs straight, with the surface i find that because of the kickstand, i can quite comfortably get away with crossed legs, legs tucked under, you name it, and it balanmces much better as there isn't the heavy base to pull it off your legs.
Just remember, you get a 45 day return window on the whole, so unless time is of the essence there really is no reason not to buy it and give it a whirl for a bit and see if it suits your needs.