<p>Well, there’s always lyx. </p>
<p>I’m not trying to argue that LaTeX is allows you to create equations with fewer keystrokes than anything else, just that using LaTeX to take notes during lectures isn’t anywhere near impossible if you know LaTeX well and can type well.</p>
<p>“Seriously, using a laptop to take notes in math class sounds and is ridiculous.”</p>
<p>I do programs for process automation (programmable logic controllers, distributed control systems, some embedded C++), yet still write out the equations and initial flow charts on a low-tech notepad. Guess it’s burnt in to the thought process.</p>
<p>Just remember, when doing derivations, consider which is easier to provide a “trail of breadcrumbs” in case you need to work your way back.</p>
<p>If anyone here winds up working in technical fields subject to stringent audits (and nuclear is one), you may still be required to show a notebook documenting calculations (I got a spot inspection visit with a DOE/NRC “years” ago).</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure most undergrads have some experience keeping design or lab notebooks. At least, I’d hope so.</p>
<p>If you include all of the same steps, how is it easier to go back and decipher your handwriting than to look at TeX?</p>
<p>Maple also works well for writing out equations, and it is a lot easier to use than Mathematica since the interface is a lot easier. Plus, you can do “translations” which will give you the commands for LaTeX.</p>
<p>You could always type the equations into a TI graphing calc and transfer them to your computer.</p>
<p>for someone who is planning on a major in bio, and generally plans to stay away from engineering, is something like LaTex necessary? I plan to write out my notes and i’m used to doing my math(calc) work on paper.</p>
<p>I’m just not sure if these programs are things i need to be considering rihgt now or not.</p>
<p>
But that’s even slower than typing it on a laptop -.-"</p>
<p>jakem333: Well, depending on what classes you take and what professors you have it’s possible that you’ll have to use it at some point at the undergraduate level, though probably unlikely. </p>
<p>It’s a great way to write up technical papers (including papers for calc etc) and it’s really easy to pick up if you think it sounds interesting, but I wouldn’t worry about it too much.</p>
<p>
Once you learn LaTeX and get used to the way it organizes your papers and reports, you will really like it. MS Word or any other regular word processor is painful, because they are for DESIGNING instead of WRITING stuff. LaTeX will take care of all the designing and page numbering and font style and chapter numbering etc. so that you can concentrate on writing your report and organizing it into sections, adding references etc. Of course you can customize how your document looks in the end but the standard LaTeX formatting is the most popular one used in academic circles.</p>