i believe ED-E can only get unconscious.
Not entirely true but normally true. One example is when your in the Generator/Array basement out near Nellis AirForce Base performing the "Ant Misbehaven" quest. If you're in the area around the generators, ants and bombs and one of the bombs blows up too close to ED-E, then ED-E will be dead dead, blown to smitherines.
Yes, it is possible. Not recommended. You meet much more useful companions for the quest throughout the storyline for Dead Money, and without the right companions; the whole DLC can get quite frustrating.
EDE = electronic data exchange
Ede Szigligeti was born on March 8, 1814.
Ede is a Dutch village.
Ede Margó died in 1944.
Brian Ede was born in 1946.
Jim Ede was born in 1895.
Ede Kallós was born in 1866.
Ede Kallós died in 1950.
Ede Reményi died in 1898.
Ede Reményi was born in 1828.
Ede Tomori died in 1997.