Taking Math Notes With Tex Touch (or other app)

I've got a bluetooth keyboard and an iPad I plan on using for notes in my classes, but I've found that in math class writing equations and using proper formatting can be a pain or impossible, and I don't really feel like using Penultimate would beat pencil and paper by much.

I searched around for an app that has the capabilities of entering complex math symbols and found Tex Touch. It's great and works through Dropbox but I'm not entirely clear on the use method of the app. Would it be fast enough to use to write equations compared to pencil on paper? And after doing so, all I have to do is sync to computer and compile into a pdf for reviewing/reference? Sounds pretty cool if it's fast and has a smooth export workflow.

Right now I'm trying out smartNote and seeing if the "drawing" method of entering equations works out. Judging from the app screenshots, taking math notes seems to be a use case, so I hope it works out. I'll report back with any comments on the app.

Does anyone know of any other apps that can be used for writing math notes? Thanks!

Well then, your comments have been very convincing. As long as I can search and organize my notes digitally (which will save me a lot of grief when I'm studying and doing homework) with a reasonable speed, it looks like it fits my requirements. And the custom keyboard thing is very nice. I might even be able to use that plus a physical one, though I'm not sure if it'd make a noticeable difference for equations.

I'll pull the trigger then, and let you guys know how it goes.

EDIT: Stupidly enough, I did not consider the fact that the notes are not directly viewable and must remotely compiled. I'm not extremely fluent in Latex so I worry that it could be hindrance to note correction and utilization on the spot.

EDIT2: I've found another Latex app called Tex Equation and it can compile things inside the app. It looks like it's able to take notes as well, though I'm not sure it's as competent an app as Tex Touch. Any experience with it?

Hmm, got it. I'll go for Tex Touch then. I wish there was a trial period. Oh well, lol.

A remote compiler eh? That's great, looks like they're quick to update and actively developing the software.

I've got a question now that I'm trying it out. When I enter a symbol from their custom onscreen keyboard, it pops down, forcing me to select the type of symbol and enter it again. How can I make it stay on the screen?

Been using it for a while, and have come to somewhat of a conclusion. This won't be much of a review; more of a "my thoughts" sort of thing.

To begin I'll tell you this app isn't for learning how to use LaTeX. There isn't any manual or simple guide to even the basics of LaTeX. Thankfully, LaTeX has been around for quite a while, so there is no shortage of help on the web. After you get over with the basics (like how to head and end a document, basic coding, etc.), you can start with the app. Of course most of the guys who download this kind of app are already experts with LaTeX, so this is just a warning for dumb people like me.

The cloud compiling works great. The instructions could be clearer, but it's pretty straightforward. It's not quite a replacement for in device compiling, but with since I'm on a 3G iPad it's fine. It's fast enough, though not quite "snappy". You tap Tex! and it takes 15 or so seconds.

The custom keyboards are great, although they go down after you enter something. That's not cool IMO, since I sometimes require the repeated entering of a certain type of symbol, and don't really want to bring up that tab again. Also, is there any way to customize those custom keyboards? A Favorites tab or Most Used tab would probably be useful.

I consulted my math teacher (Mac user, from around Caltech ) and he said it might be too slow for taking notes unless I'm really really fast. He recommended a WYSIWYG editor if I really wanted to take notes electronically. So I'll be on the lookout for one of those.

To wrap it up I think this app deserves a good four stars for what it does. It's not the most attractive app, but the app icon looks great. It's small and fast, lacking a bit of polish. Some improvements and maybe a new UI (not for editing, just the file selection) would make this a 5 star app.