SPECS
13.3” Contiq Companion 2’s last generation had only two models, with the difference being the size of the internal SSD (256 or 512gb), now you have various different builds with price points ranging from $1299 tp $2499 depending on how much memory you need!
New Screen – In what used to be a 1080p 13.3″ screen, you now get 2.5k (2560 x 1440) of screen goodness. It is color accurate up to 73% Adobe 1998 & 96% SRGB. Overall the display just looks much better!
New Power Button – The old power button could easily get turned on accidentally while being carried in the protective case, this can no longer happen as the new power button has a locking slide.
Thicker Power Connection – The power connection on the Companion 1 was pretty small and could be considered delicate, the new power connector is much thicker and seems to fit more solidly inside the Companion 2.
Front Facing Speakers – The speakers in the first generation Companion were not very good…in fact I rarely used them because I could never hear anything. The new speakers are not only much louder, they are facing the user, helping to amplify the sound you hear.
USB 3.0 ports – Now all USB ports are USB 3.0 (You get three in total)
More Express Keys – You now get 6 customization express keys, up from four from the 1st generation. These can be customized per application, so the same button can do different things depending on what application is currently active on your screen.
SD Card Slot – With a full SD card slot, you can now easily backup/store/ offload your images off of SD cards directly onto the tablet…no more need for a card reader…at least with my Sony full frame mirror-less camera.
Input Display – You can now finally use the Companion as a secondary display (works on both Windows and Apple computers). Historically you could use the device to power other displays, but now it can be used in addition to your current computer setup as a secondary Cintiq display (with full pressure sensitivity). This is probably the most sought after requested feature of this the new generation of Companions.
New Screen – In what used to be a 1080p 13.3″ screen, you now get 2.5k (2560 x 1440) of screen goodness. It is color accurate up to 73% Adobe 1998 & 96% SRGB. Overall the display just looks much better!
New Power Button – The old power button could easily get turned on accidentally while being carried in the protective case, this can no longer happen as the new power button has a locking slide.
Thicker Power Connection – The power connection on the Companion 1 was pretty small and could be considered delicate, the new power connector is much thicker and seems to fit more solidly inside the Companion 2.
I am salivating over the Companion 2, I think it’s the best invention since sliced bread, because it enables the user to be able to be apart from the wall socket even though the battery lasts roughly 4.5 – 5.5 hours, it’s worth it! And I am so looking forward to the sale sometime in April, 2015.
Five Stars out of Four. -Ryon Jayne