[Tex/LaTex] Current state of LaTeX on iPad

ipadtablet

I most recently got an iPad and since I have a oldish, heavy laptop, I'd much rather only carry around my iPad instead of my laptop (I'm a student). I do need to create and compile TeX files though and I don't want to rely on having a working internet connection.

I have googled a bit and also stumbled upon questions on this TeX.SE site. The two most commonly applications being brought up were TexPad and TeX Writer. However, most reviews seem to be rather old (2-3 years) and a lot can change in that time.

I work with varying types of documents, small and large ones, some with pictures and some without any, and sometimes I also need the TikZ package (for example). I think the latter might be a restriction, but am not sure. Other than that, I don't think that I do anything extraordinary when working with TeXnicCenter on my laptop.

Q1: Are there any other applications I might want to consider?

Q2: What are the current main differences between TexPad and TeX Writer?

Best Answer

Disclaimer: I use Texpad.

Texpad

  • UTF-8 XeLaTeX Support See TexPad and fontspec package
  • Smart Keyboard: allows much quicker cursor navigation and selection.
  • Useful autocompletion
  • Not easy to select first or second line of a file with cursor (keeps jumping around)
  • File Overview (supports master files and other files + Organizer (albeit confusing)
  • Offer most packages but without clear listing of what is inside each "Bundle"

Tex Writer

  • No UTF-8 XeLaTeX
  • WebDav

Both support local and cloud compiling.

What would be cool?

  • Interface for other apps like iTransmit for SSH
  • Samba
  • Version Control System support (like Subversion and Git)
  • ability to view aux and other files
  • ability to edit document in another app and save into Texpad.
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