Unfortunately Android tablets are quite the hard sell considering that google basically gave up on it 

Yeah....I know. If I had any thought of using it heavily then I wouldn't even consider touching it. But it's because I have such a light use case that it's tempting at half the price (although, I do really dislike that I wouldn't be able to use iMessage on it).

I had a chance to use the old Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 and while it has more features, it doesn’t compare with the iPad’s UI responsiveness alone

Maybe you could find a used 2018 iPad? They are brand new though so I don't know why anyone would be selling theirs now. 

Maybe you could justify the cost of a 2018 iPad and find a used Apple Pencil? Or maybe a generic stylus would be ok for just scribbling? 

A used iPad Pro ends up being cheaper, plus it has a laminated screen, which is nice. Basically any way of going with an iPad + pencil will cost $350+ and I'm not interested in a non-active pencil. 

To be honest, half the reason I'm thinking about it again is because of the free home mini from ebay -- I've wanted it, but not enough to warrant spending any real money on. So I probably won't buy any tablet for that reason.....but I might get a PS4 Pro instead. 

What one of the earlier generations? I'm looking on eBay and they all start at like $500 plus 

No way a iPad + Apple Pencil costs more than a used iPad Pro + Apple Pencil. It's inconceivable. 

You can get a good condition 9.7" iPad Pro 32gb for $280~ easily, less if you're patient. +$80~ for a pencil. 

Boi I was just on eBay. They all are going for higher or the same MSRP of a 2018 iPad. 

You would have to find a seller who doesn't know the value of what he has, like this one

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-iPad-Pro-32GB-Wi-Fi-9-7in-Rose-w-Apple-pencil-Apple-smart-Keyboard/192541371786?hash=item2cd45c2d8a:g:QRsAAOSwuHFa-zE7#viTabs_0 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-iPad-Pro-32GB-Wi-Fi-9-7in-Rose-Gold/192541836860?epid=220410465&hash=item2cd463463c:g:0goAAOSwtXta-~K9

https://www.ebay.com/itm/iPad-Pro-9-7-inch-32GB-Wi-Fi-Gold/253625169804?epid=220408462&hash=item3b0d3cf78c:g:bEQAAOSwCsBa9kFd

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-iPad-Pro-32GB-Wi-Fi-9-7in-Space-Gray-Display-Demo-A1673-3A781LL-A/323245761710?epid=220433717&hash=item4b42f2e4ae:g:oIMAAOSw5W5a8MwV:sc:USPSPriorityMailPaddedFlatRateEnvelope!07417!US!-1

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-iPad-Pro-A1674-32GB-9-7-Verizon-Unlocked-WiFi-Cellular-Bundle-Case/232766981955?hash=item3631fe4743:g:UGYAAOSwHhRa91kn

Sure those hit the price target (the last one is no longer available btw) but you don’t really get anything other than the iPad with those. 

I have a charger (for the listings that don't include one, although some do), and a 2018 iPad isn't coming with anything else either.

Well it does get a warranty, a 10W charger, cable, some paper, and the box. 

Most importantly though it has a warranty, also the piece of mind in knowing it’s never been touched by a consumer. 

But it doesn’t look like you want to buy one anyway. 

Yeah....I'd rather save $120 (or even $80) than have a warranty. 

Consumer choice I guess. I’d rather get something new.