Is there one in Goodsprings? Or is it Primm? Someone said in an article somewhere that there is a companion in the first town youre in. Supposedly people given an hour to play before release weren't able to find him/her.

The only one in Goodsprings is temporary, but in Primm you can find a robot which will become your companion if you repair it at the mail office.

Probably mean ED-E he's in Primm

Ed-E is in primm in the shop on the right hand side. But you have to repair him.