Wacom Cintiq Companion Hybrid Review 2014

[@shadda]

Thanks for alleviating some last minute jitters I had over buying this. You summed up the reasons I went with the hybrid perfectly. Can't wait til it arrives :)

[@julianospina4376]

I'm sold on the Hybrid. Excellent review. Cheers

[@LatinMessiah]

Excellent review. It helped me decide between all three 13" cintiq's. Thanks!

[@OpenSourceMarketer]

Excellent! Glad it was useful :)

[@ghost2031]

I love my Hybrid. Never regretted that i bought it.

[@sassamafracken]

Thank you for the cogent review. My thoughts exactly on the hybrid vs Win8 tablets. My Intuos3 lasted me almost 10 years (and still kicking)... a Windows 8 tablet won't do that, but the hybrid just might.

[@danny297]

Finally someone that explained the differences. Thank you. I'm just going to get a cintiq 13 hd then. I thought this would run cs5 on its own but i suppose not. You saved me over 200 dollars sir. haha.

[@OpenSourceMarketer]

Oh good. I'm glad it was helpful. I recently pre-ordered the Wacom Creative Stylus 2 for the iPad. It should be available around mid-October. I'll be sure to do a review of that as well. If it functions as advertised, it would be a nice $79 option for anyone who already likes to draw on their iPad, like me :)

One huge difference between the hybrid and the 13 HD, is that the 13 HD doesn't have its own battery. It needs to be plugged in to a power source. Since I'm planning on using it with a laptop, this greatly hinders mobility. For me, that's the main reason for choosing the hybrid over the HD.

[@OpenSourceMarketer]

Magnus Wikström oh, that's a good point. I hadn't considered the built-in battery.

[@dukenny]

Thank you for the review. i'm also a mac user and i was affraid of buying the wrong companion. this video helped me to know better the hybrid tablet.

[@OpenSourceMarketer]

Hi Rafael, did you end up buying a Hybrid?

[@dukenny]

Hi! i just bought this month, but i'm waiting to arrive.

[@OpenSourceMarketer]

Rafael Dukenny that's great. Keep in mind that you can return it if you find you don't like it. Keep in mind that the new Cintiq Companion 2 can be used as a graphic display tablet for an external computer. This was one of the big features of the Android version, but now the Windows version does. I've enjoyed the Android version, but I do feel limited by the quality and quantity of drawing Android apps. So far SketchBook Pro has been my goto tool, where on Windows I know I'd have a lot more option.

[@theboogiemanstan]

super good video. cleared up so my answers for me :)

[@JoelWatson]

Can the Companion Hybrid run off of its internal battery when in Hyrbid mode (say, plugged into a Mac)? Or does it HAVE to have the power adapter plugged into a wall outlet when being used as a secondary display?

[@JoelWatson]

Never mind. Seems you answered this question around minute 2:40. Thanks!

[@OpenSourceMarketer]

Thanks for the question Joel Watson.

[@hamiltonafjr]

Thanks! That was very informative!

[@OpenSourceMarketer]

Thanks! :)

[@LoadNewGame]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@OpenSourceMarketer]

Sweet! Glad it helped.

[@StartGrowYourBusiness]

Wow, 10 hours of battery life to work on Android is really nice! Very cool.

[@thecartooncynic]

hi, I just purchased the galaxy note 8.0, it's a great device it's a cintiq companion you can put in your pocket, but enough about that. When drawing my comic strip on the note8 I became discouraged because Sketchbook pro and Artflow studio limited be to a max res of 2560x2560, I normally draw my comic at 12k x 6.6k. I discovered 2 apps that support this resolution. CloverPaint and LayerPaint HD. If you can, I'd like to know how well these apps work on the compaion hybrid, because of these 2 apps, I am now seriously considering buying the Hybrid instead of the Win8 companion. Very informative video, thanks!

[@neilgooge]

I do have one question. The programable TOUCH buttons, so the onscreen buttons you can program for things photoshop, do they work when connected to the laptop. I assume they do, given the fact the touch pinch and zoom works, though I can not seem to get a definite answer on the buttons. Thanks for the review, its been very helpful. Best Neil

[@OpenSourceMarketer]

Hi Neil. I'm not sure I understand the question. What are you trying / wanting to do. Maybe knowing that would help me answer your question.

[@neilgooge]

Hey, thanks for the reply, I was phrasing my searches wrong :) I was looking for information about the onscreen controls. Once I phrased the search properly I found all the information I needed. I just wanted to know if the hybrid, in second display mode, supported the on screen controls... Which I have now found that it does :) Thanks again for the review, was one of the deciding factors on purchasing one.

[@reesekaz6507]

When you're using the Hybrid in Cintiq mode connected to your Macbook Air....how long can the hybrids battery hold out for?

[@travisbewley7084]

Awesome review, and thank you for getting it up. Have you tried any web development apps for android? I'm curious at how well it could also be a wordpress development platform on the go (With a blue tooth keyboard of course). Will I be able to upload files from the device to Wordpress? How well does it do at allowing you to save files and pull them into various programs? If I save something in sketchbook or canvas can I upload it easily?

[@liormunitz]

Thanks for the review. I have a question: should I buy the 32GB or 16GB? I wonder how many sketches i can store in 16GB while using the android mode? Many Thanks

[@OpenSourceMarketer]

That's a good question. Normally I'd say it depends on the size of your graphics files, but I don't see a single file reaching multiple gigabytes. Keep in mind that you can upload files to and access files via Dropbox. So 16BG should more pretty well. That said, I have 16GB on my iPhone and there are times I wish it had more space :)

[@shadda]

I went with the 16gb version because it has a microSD slot. I bought a $45 64gb@90mb/s sd card so I'm not sure what I'd need that other 16gb for :)

[@DragonologyDpt]

I would go for the 16 gb. Its cheaper, there's a micro sd slot, you can upload to dropbox, AND you can plug in an external usb storage thumb if needed. :)

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

OpenSourceMarketer I'm thinking of the 32GB myself, mostly because I may like to do other things on this tab besides sketching.

[@OpenSourceMarketer]

Christopher, I think it depends on the size of your images. Keep in mind there's also a Micro-SD slot and a USB port that you can use to add additional storage beyond the built-in storage.

[@xXMrMonkeyGamingXx]

in order to hook up the android version to my computer does my computer just need a free USB slot, or does my computer need an hdmi plug too?

[@Absolutelynobody27]

Can you download clip studio paint from the internet on the hybrid?

[@bleung8323]

So if I bougth the Cintiq Companion 2 I still can use it as a display for my MacBook Pro ?

[@OpenSourceMarketer]

B LEUNG the Cintiq Companion 2 can be used as an external display tablet when connected to a computer. The original Cintiq Companion, could NOT be used as an external display tablet when connected to a computer. Wacom apparently listened to consumer feedback and thought is was a good idea :)

[@bleung8323]

THX

[@erikkappelle4519]

Very interesting product 3 questions: The usable screen dimensions for ie drawing are comparable to A4? Is this device also suitable as an electronic writing bloc? (meaning you can create lined paper and just write and then late have it transferred into text you can process in for example Word? Is it possible to show reports (A4 size) on the screen and then make annotations and save the two (the doc+ the annotations as one?) without many manual operations? Erik Kappelle

[@OpenSourceMarketer]

Erik, I honestly do not know. I'm assuming it would be up to the software package used. I have been using an app called Note Anytime and I think it allows for the importing of images that can then be annotated / drawn on, but I don't know if it will allow for processing in Word. Note Anytime is available on iOS and Android if you'd like to try it out.

[@Mr2pint]

Nice review will there be updates for the android? I mean ti Kit Kat 4.4? that's the only problem 'i'm seeing with the hybrid for my needs.

[@OpenSourceMarketer]

Hey Mr2pint. I'm glad you got your question answered. For anyone else looking for an answer to this question, check out the reply to dexoticaqua's question in these comments. Cheers!

[@momori0809]

FYI for all mac users. This will not connect to your thunderbolt display (for those who have their laptops connected to a 2nd display) even if you have a hdmi to mini dvi converter. So you can't use this with your 2nd display connected, it will only connect to your mbp or your mbair with a hdmi to mini dvi converter.

[@willcapellaro426]

Charles, not sure if your Air is your only Mac. Have you tried your two cintiqs running in tandem? Any reason why that might be a problem? I also only have one monitor port (cMBP 2010) but I am thinking of upgrading to a retina MBP which would give the ability to use my 22HD with a new Hybrid. All this goes into the calculus as to what I might buy.

[@OpenSourceMarketer]

Hi Will. Yes, I have connected both the 22HD and the Hybrid to my Air without problems. However, as you mentioned, the Air only has one display port. So, I have to use either a USB to HDMI adapter or the all-in-one USB hub I bought a months or so ago. It has an extra display connection built in.

[@synndakitt]

Could I use adobe software on my macbook (on the hybrid) if the laptop is in clam shell mode? I couldnt figure out how to do it yet. Any advice helps, thanks.

[@OpenSourceMarketer]

synndakitt yes, you should be able to use Adobe software on your Macbook (on the hybrid) if the laptop is in clam shell mode. Try adjusting your settings according to Apple's recommendations, support.apple.com/en-us/HT201834

[@IvanDSaboya]

im using it in 2019, and is great to sketch in this device with an app called clover paint.

[@Artemisio987]

Thank you for this review. I would like to ask you, after almost a year are you still favourable of the companion hybrid? I would be interested in buying one and use it mostly as a desktop cintiq and just occasionally as a sketching pad, I do like the idea of being able to do that. Do you think it's good for that? thanks :)

[@OpenSourceMarketer]

It's funny that you ask because I'm actually considering selling it on eBay. I've had it almost a year and I've hardly used it. I've drawn more on the iPad than I have on the Wacom. In fact, I just pre-ordered Wacom's Creative Stylus 2 for drawing on iPad. The new version is suppose to have a 2.9 mm tip which should be more like the drawing with the stylus that comes with the Companion Hybrid. The friction for me has been that I have to connect the Hybrid to my Mac to use Photoshop, which makes drawing on the couch a bit cumbersome. It still a great device and if I didn't have a 22HD, I would probably use it as a primary device at a desk. Android mode is useful, but the device is still a bit large for the lap. For your situation, you might find it useful at the desk, with Android mode being handy for sketching else where.

[@Artemisio987]

Thank you for your answer! I think i will start saving up the money and decide when I finally have the right sum to make the purchase, that should give me enough time :P

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

OpenSourceMarketer Being a first timer on this sort of thing, I'm looking to get a Cintiq myself, but don't have quite the skills necessary to be a pro at this since I'd have to self-teach myself these things. The Hybrid seems more to my liking for doubling as an Android tab on the go since I don't feel I need to lug around another OS with me.

[@OpenSourceMarketer]

Christopher Sobieniak the Hybrid has been a fun device to use. That said the pricing on the new Cintiq Companion 2 is very competitive compared to the original Hybrid. Plus the CC2 can be used as an external display, which the original Windows version could not.

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

OpenSourceMarketer Yeah that was rather odd they wouldn't include that on the CC1.

[@iMANTlS]

I want to buy this .. but i'm afraid i'm too late and wacom will release a new one .. should i wait ?

[@iMANTlS]

can you make an impression of this device after 1 year of use ?

[@dexoticaqua]

Thanks for the info......I have what will probably seem like a dumb question....coming from a Apple, Windows background....so here goes. I noticed that the operating system is Jellybean(which was created 2 years ago) but the new system is KitKatt. Is android like Windows(7 to 8.1) and Apple(Mountain Lion to Maverick). Do one just update the OS system from Jellybean to KitKatt or is the Current OS Tied to the Hardware. Thanks for your time.

[@OpenSourceMarketer]

Thanks a great question. Most Android devices are able to upgrade as the OS changes, but I'm not sure how that works with the Companion Hybrid. I'll reach out to the Wacom Rep to see if there's an official response.

[@OpenSourceMarketer]

Update: I asked the Wacom Rep your question and he said, "...the OS is associated to the tablet, meaning, you won’t be able to upgrade to the KitKat, on your own. Wacom will get the update from Google, then work w/ the OS and see if there are tweaks needed for our hardware. If and when this is done, you’d see it on the Wacom Center which alerts you to driver updates to your OS." I thought that might be the case. Samsung and other hardware manufactures follow the same pattern of publishing software updates after versions of Android are released. Hopefully Wacom will be able to keep up with future Android releases. Hope that helps.

[@dexoticaqua]

OpenSourceMarketer Wow.....Thank you so much for the info....I will be getting a Windows based unit now.

[@Mr2pint]

OpenSourceMarketer Thanks you jay answered my question no need to reply.

[@drastic209562]

What are your thoughts on the Cintiq Companion 2?

[@OpenSourceMarketer]

+drastic209562 I haven't used the Cintiq Companion 2, so I don't have specific thoughts on that device. However, with the Surface Pro and iPad Pro devices on the market, I don't really see the value proposition of paying for the Cintiq Companion 2. Just my two cents.

[@android272]

My question is whether you can dual boot Ubuntu on this thing :)

[@OpenSourceMarketer]

Based on what I've read on the Wacom support site, if it's possible, it would NOT be supported under their warranty. So attempt at your own risk :)

[@GugartsAnimations]

2:55 Its a micro HDMI port. But i think its too late xD

[@eggchowmein]

hey i read a couple of comments that you mentioned you are selling the companion hybrid, please notify me if you do! kind regards!

[@godsmwc65]

Why can't you put boot camp and run mac os ? on companion

[@OpenSourceMarketer]

Sorry for the late reply. I wasn't getting notified of comments. I haven't messed with Bootcamp much, so I don't know much about it. I've used VMs to run Windows on the Mac before and it's been an okay solution, but not the best. I honestly didn't think of it. Let me know if you try it.

[@godsmwc65]

OpenSourceMarketer ok thanks and GOD Bless

[@krisfrosz133]

OpenSourceMarketer Have you done a comparison video of the two devices?

[@CharlesMcKeever]

@Kris, no I have not. I thought about it when I had both devices, but didn't. If I get the Cintiq Companion 2, I may do a comparison video then.

[@krisfrosz133]

Charles McKeever Please do. That'd help me greatly.

[@patricior7300]

OH COME ON!!! You lose the opportunity to connect companion win 8, with the hybrid as monitor, and make a fully multitouch notebook. Imagine having a MacBook Air but with the base being another multitouch screen. I can not believe you didn´t it !!! PLEASE TRY IT. Tnx

[@SirusStarTV]

*Super* ска