I would love having a companion near the beginning of the game. I don't like being alone when wandering places in games; I just like the company.

I would pass on that. I personally don't like companions at all. They either get in the way or get mad when you accidentally shoot one. They were just as dull in Skyrim.

to be honest id rather not have one in the beginning. i like to find my companions. by having a companion in the beginning, i feel like they want you to feel emotionally attached to that character. its easier to get attached to a companion when you find them, learn more about them slowly, partake in one of their little side quests, and once you get to know them, youll never leave them. but of course if they explained and showed a lot of detail on how you and your initial companion were united, then i supposed i could feel something between us. I only get companions I have something in common with or bond with. Like dogmeat or boone. I felt bad for boone so i did his little quest and we were ncr bros or whatever. and dogmeat is a sweet dog yo.

Unless circumstances throw us together (like an escape from the vault) I'd rather meet them out in the wastes. It feels to contrived otherwise.

I would and I wouldn't
Definitely would be an advantage, when low leveled, to have someone else distracting/shooting at enemies.
But, at the same time, I feel it would make it easier, so no.

Having a companion so early at the start would be tough to balance out. Would have to have just as pitiful equipment as you such as starting out with a 9mm pistol and either a baseball bat or bare hands for melee. Honestly I think it should be comparable to the amount of time it takes to get Boone as a companion in New vegas instead of right away.

Usually don't roll with a companion on my first play through, unless one is forced on me during a questline. Want to figure it all out by myself, and prove I can master the game on my skill and guile alone...

Depends on the Companion.

Yeah in NV and FO3 I didn't even bother with any of companions besides the dogs. Everyone else was dull and got in the way.

Depends on who it is.

Actually I would love a companion , preferably in 45 cal or 10mm, but I would not say no to a Glasses girl in .308, they really know how to reach out and touch someone. . .

Wouldn't mind it. If they make them in one of the closer towns like Ed-E or Boone. That's the closest that should be allowed.

A non-human one like a dog or ed-e I wouldn't mind. I think a human or talking character should come later in the game.

I think I would prefer meeting them in the wasteland. Wouldn't feel right to replace a companion that has been with you from the start. Though it could add depth to the character if it's well written.

I'd like to get the dog at the beginning, my main use for the human/ghoul/super mutant companions is as pack brahmin so maybe we could just get a pack brahmin.

I've never been a fan of the canine companions, apart from the original Dogmeat.
Companions to me are just mules, need to get all that stuff to market that I can't carry myself

I'd like it, if that companion is one that stays out of fights, and follows you so he or she can carry your items!

I don't want companions stealing my XP points or getting in between me and the enemy, and dying.

No, not really.

Companions make the game too easy. I only use them as a pack mule.