Software for researching and note-taking

Can anyone recommend good software for doing various forms of research? I would like something which can take notes, excerpt stuff from web pages, track URLs, and hold other research-relevant information.

I am talking about all kinds of research, such as:

• Researching reviews, prices, and vendors to buy a new appliance
• Researching where to go on a vacation, also where to stay, and how to get there (understanding that each factor interplays with each other)
• Researching air quality reports in various regions, including tracking data from disparate sources

Ya know... all the various kinds of research one might do in the course of living life.

I have seen various software packages and various out-of-date reviews, but would like some real-world input.

Thanks!

 

Anyone?