I know in V1.5 that Word and PDF documents are downloaded and can be stored in cache, while HTML documents through links are not, while HTML documents stored in the X-Code are. Are there any advantages or disadvantages for document display, formatting and load time of one versus any of the others?

So far I am leaning toward HTML since it seems to load faster with PDF right behind.

Bob, Word and PDF documents will render small as the user will need to pinch to grow the doc, so that the text is a size that is able to be read. On the other hand, an HTML Custom page can be set to display the info how you would prefer the formatting- Font size, Columns, etc. The load time depends on a embedded file vs. downloaded as well as the size of that file. Which you will choose depends on how you want the details to display and how you'd need to update the pages in the future. If you need any additional clarification, please let me know.

Thanks. I think I'll stay with HTML.

I'd agree, especially if you want your device to be on the iPad. I tried using a Word.doc format, and got complaints about the text size from an iPad user. I redid the App in HTML - much better.

Word / PDF can be useful but HTML is way more flexible. Here's the gist.... HTML is markup language, plain text, NOT binary data like a PDF or a Word Doc. For non-techies, it just means that it's much 'lighter' and 'friendly' in a mobile app. Word and PDF do have there places but should be used strategicall. Example: An embedded image or two in a Word or PDF doc can look good, or a product brochure etc. can be distributed. Ideally, these types of documents would be created specifically for the app and use larger font-sizes to prevent the initial need to zoom-in like DPinoh mentions. There are always arguments to support any of these formats but HTML is for sure the most flexible, best supported, and most efficient. Think 'not proprietary' technology ;-)