I don't think there is a chance of the Note coming to US by the Jan 15th, Google/Verizon would not want it to overshadow Nexus release.
It'll be pointless for any Note owner to come to a Nexus forum and talk about it. So I shouldn't do this, I've been torn between these two devices, but here's my 2 cents from all the reading about them. I think people who used digitizer pen and tablets will prefer the Note, who wants tablet functionality + portability. Getting the Note will make it an ebook reader and note taker for me, so I can sell my tablet. As for pocketing, its in the designer mind when they designed the phone, youtube is your friend.
Some other things:
-microUSB slot, that pretty much make or break the deal. Also can be more convenience with flashing patches and rom.
-The Mali GPU in the Note and Galaxy SII is better than the older SGX in the Nexus. Also perhaps the Exynos CPU @ 1.4ghz, if you discount overclocking the Nexus. About the Note not being optimized as ICS, I am 110% certain there will be ICS officially and/or custom rom for the Note.
-I never thought camera megapixels means anything, but after comparison shots I prefer the 8MP one. But I can understand if you prefer shutter speed.
-Correct me if I am wrong, but with the Nexus if you use it as MHL output to the TV, then you can't connect OTG cable also to connect your portable harddrive to play HD movies. And since the (GSM) version only have limit of space it can only hold a few HD movies at a time. Also it'll be nicer to watch videos on a larger screen.
-My Galaxy SII GPS lock in time is long, I have a feeling it'll be the same with the Nexus. I watched a YouTube video of the Note using GLONASS, its lock in and response time are impressive. This is big for me, due to its screen and good 'GPS' functionality, it can also act as a GPS replacement. My SII doesn't quite cut it, especially poor locking.
I doubt having a bit more PPI is going bother me with that kind of resolution. When my 10" tablet is only 1280x800 and my 32" monitor is only 1920x1080.
I feel the main decider of this phone is not its capability, but really how much one care about fashion and how others in public think about you (also the burden of carrying a 5.3" device I guess). I'm pretty sure if the Note was 4" it would be as much interest as the Nexus, people overlooked it due to its size.
I was unsure of the Nexus vs Note, I ordered the Nexus and changed my mind. Guess I'll keep the Nexus due to 15% restocking fee and won't be home to reject the delivery. I don't think I'll be too disappointed with it though. I'm also keeping my eyes on the Meizu MX which will get a quadcore version next year, but I guess major manufacturers will release those too.
I would use an iPad, Galaxy Tab as a phone if they let me.
You can sort of do it with the Tab as the xda guys figures out way to do it, but I guess its more hassle. The capability is there, just need to be enabled, but then your carrier will block your IMEI from calling anyway.