Vector arrows (like the example below) were not supported in the old basic equation editor, and we're going to add support for them in the new basic equation editor. That means there will be a button and you don't have to enter latex to get a vector arrow. Watch for that in an upcoming release.
vector arrow
Vector notation (like the example below) is part of the broader category of 'matrices' and was also not supported in the old basic equation editor. However, the old basic equation editor did have a button that would insert the latex and then enforce advanced mode, which has some consistency and accessibility issues. We are looking into how to bring actual matrix support (which would include vector notation) to the basic equation editor. Matrices continue to be supported in the latex mode until then.