How to create inline node-add forms using a block with content type names
Panels is definitely the way to go here.


Using Page Manager set up a URL with an argument, like mypath/%node-type
Set the argument to be Node add form: content type
In the content area you can rearrange the form how you like or just add the whole node creation form by using the elements under form in the add content screen
Make either a custom pane or a menu of links that point to the various node types:


mypath/article
mypath/event
mypath/document
mypath/video