I just got the H4N, it appears to be quality stuff.
The built-in mics are ok, but seem to be oriented for guitar and vocal. Uke sounds better with my AKG condenser mic (which originally cost more than the whole H4N!). I'm also going to try some large diaphragm condensers with it also.
I'm going to make up a briefcase with the whole recording setup inside, just open it up and power on. The H4N records very well, seems to have some sort of limiter in it that keeps you from clipping. Before I was recording to the soundcard through a cassette recorder and I got either lots of clipping or a level way under the ceiling. This thing just works.
And no machine noise, power cords, etc driving you crazy.