I ended up with a Makita 14.4v. It was a much better value for the money especially because as of this writing, Makita is offering some attractive rebates. Also I liked the feel and balance of Makita better. The Panasonic has a huge and heavy battery while the Makita's battery is lighter (but probably doesn't last quite as long). Subsequently, the Panasonic felt like a brick was attached to the handle. Also, the case that comes with the Makita is much better-more sturdy and better designed (although larger) than Panasonic's cheapy case. Further, the Panasonic battery charger is much larger than the Makita one.

This kit comes complete with the drill, a black plastic hard case, 2 batteries and charger.

Good Drill (Rating: 4.00)
Review : I bought this unit a few weeks ago and am very satisfied with it. But this is my first cordless drill, and I've used it only for relatively light-duty projects around the house, so take my comments with those caveats in mind.

I've found the weight, torque, and comfort in the hand are all excellent for me. Some people I've shown it to have commented on the whine it makes, but but I don't think it's any noisier than other drills, just different sounding.

I took off one star because the trigger doesn't give a continuous range of speeds. It starts well at slow speeds, but tends to "kick over" to a very high speed with no transition as the trigger is pulled back. This happens in both the Low and High switch settings. That can be disconcerting.

Things missing that some (other) users might care about: No built-in level; no place to store screws/bits, etc. on the base. Good feature some other units don't have: stands up nicely on its handle. Good universal charger, and I like the NiMH batteries for ecological reasons if nothing else. There is a unit with 3.5 AH batteries, but I got this one with the smaller batteries because I figured the lighter weight was more important than the presumably longer work time between charges for my uses. The chuck is very easy to use, and looks like it runs true to me. Instruction manual tells nothing, but what didn't you know about what it does?

Best Drill you will ever buy! (Rating: 5.00)
Review : After going through a couple of medium priced off the shelf drills that either locked up or were too heavy to use comfortably in a days work this one proved to go the distance! Lightweight, very quiet, easy to use, and super powerful! One year old and going strong! BEST DRILL EVER!

Best cordless ever (Rating: 5.00)
Review : I've been using cordless drills since they first came out 25yrs ago. I've had 7.6 volt skill, 9 volt B&D, 12 volt skill, 12 volt bosch, 14.4 Riobi, 14.4 DeWalt and 18 volt Bosch and the 12 volt Panasonic is the best. It's light and the batteries hold a charge longer then any other. I use my drills all day everyday and I have to change from driving screw to drilling holes and this drill works and it doesn't wear out you arm. What more could you want. Yeah it cost more but you get what you pay for.

Best of the lot (Rating: 5.00)
Review : Having used and worn out cordless industrial drills from AEG, Bosch, Black & Decker (DeWalt), Milwaukee, and Makita, I conclude that Panasonic (my several-years-old 12volt version of this one, with NiCD batteries) beats 'em all hands-down for quality, versatility, and long life. The 15-minute fast charge option (now 20 minutes as the batteries have aged) has been helpful at times. The 21-stage friction torqe clutch has been consistent, unlike Bosch's misbegotten electronic torque limiter design. Most important, though, in my opinion, is the automatic spindle lock and SUPERB chuck that grabs and HOLDS bits without slipping, unlike every other keyless design I've used on portable drills. When this baby bites the dust, Panasonic will again be my first choice for replacement.