Whoa. Didn't know about the new Wacom "Companion" but I can confirm that the newer Intuos 5 Touch-capable version pen tablets do not have the same feel or surface durability as the older non-touch capable models so this may support what you experienced since that is also "touch-capable".
I have Intuos 1,2,3 and 5. Also a couple of Wacom Non-Touch Bamboos. The Intuos 2 and 3 are better than the 5 to me, smoother surface that will look better/last longer. Don't know about the 4 but the new 5 Touch surface is slightly textured and already showing some wear patterns from normal use...(yeah, I press too hard). But the 5 also seems less precise and stable to me, even with "Touch" mode off. I wish I had gotten the non-Touch 5 which they do make and less expensive or I need to start seeing if I can use Touch at times to change up my ergonomics on low-level use.
Also have to try the wireless adapter on a Mac before cementing my opinion, but I remember my older Bamboo wireless tablet working with less lag to wake up the connection then the Intuos 5 now does with wireless accessory kit installed and PC.
Sorry to go off on a tangent here, but I always recommend tablets to help with precision and intuitive use (after a couple of weeks) plus for ergonomic health over the long term. (You rest your hand on the tablet and do not have to support the weight of your arm while moving pen as you do with the mouse, for example.)
I agree, I've had the fortunate opportunity to be playing with both the intuos 3 and 4. 4 is where they changed the surface, so that it would be more reminiscent of real paper. It ended up being one of the most hated "features" since it wears down the nibs so fast. Wacom's support said openly on their support forums that if people didn't like the new material, they could use a plastic bag (straightened out and fixed with scotch tape obviously), or something along those lines (I think someone used a thin glass) on top of the tablet. It works, but is a bit wonky. I removed whatever plastic I used, because I found it being in the way and distracting. I have since sold my Intuos (I had the 4th, a friend had the 3rd) and bought a Bamboo Touch - which (un-)fortunately works just as well (and as bad) as the Intuos.
Personally I'd advice you to stay with the third generation of Intuos. It seems as if Wacom isn't going to go back from the slightly textured, nib wearing surface.
As for the Companion, I really like the idea of a true drawing tablet manufacturer making a tablet for professionals. It was thin and light enough to be used on the go, and it seems adequaely equipped hardware wise. However, it was laggy and the screen just wasn't anything I'd want to look at for a living. I may be in the minority here, but I have a gripe with matte screens because they take so much away from the sharpness and as someone with glasses, this is deeply distracting. I'm a glossy kind of guy, even for work. The colors were atrocious to say the least, and I was somehow reminded of my old 17" 1280x1024 4:3 LCD screen. The feel of the tablet itself was good: it felt solid and despite being plastic, it felt like a premium device. My main gripe with it though was the lagginess. Being a tablet made out of an i7 and whatnot, it didn't feel more, or even as, responsive than a Surface Pro (Lachy, beware) and that just confirmed my suspicion: it is
not meant to be a replacement machine for graphic artists, but as a portable
companion.
Unfortunately for Wacom.
Because the competition is better, IMO. Aside from the larger screen and the brand itself (quality of the digitizer and pen), there really is no compelling reason for choosing the Companion over a Surface Pro for instance. I'd wager that forthcoming pro grade tablets will be better choices as well, especially if they too are using Wacom technology. Maybe I had too high expectations from hyperbole but I was deeply let down. I personally would not pay more than twice the price of Surface Pro II for the Companion.
The pen was luxurious though.