It was a choice between spending $50 for two replacement batteries for the previous cheapo 9.6V unit or spending $70 for a brandy-new 18V unit. An extra $20 well spent. - Kevin Johnson

Is the drill the only 18V item you have? I'd get an extra battery as backup. - Anika

It came with two batteries. - Kevin Johnson

That'll work. All my power and lawn tools are 18V and I feel like I'm always waiting for a battery to charge (I have two also). I'm thinking of buying one more battery. - Anika

I've thought about venturing further into cordless tools. I've had a cordless drill for years, but no other cordless devices. My corded circular saw has seen some major use - not sure if I'd be happy with a cordless version. - Kevin Johnson

I kinda hate cordless tools. I don't use them often enough... - Wirehead

Congrats on your step up. In the cordless variety I keep 3 batteries, two drills (one high torque) that way I can have one drilling and one screwing in things but then I do A LOT of house work. Cordless reciprocating saws work decently and are good for climbing in attics or in crawl spaces. the cordless circular saws blow through the power too fast unless your cutting something less than a quarter inch thick. - Steve C

@Steve, that's useful to know. From what you describe, a cordless circ saw would not be very useful to me. I don't have a reciprocating saw, but I can see where a cordless version would be very handy. - Kevin Johnson

A cordless reciprocating saw is crazy handy. I have that, a jigsaw and a circular saw. I don't get the battery drain on my circular saw Steve talks about. I do get it on my leaf blower, caulking gun and air compressor. I don't think the 18V air compressor was a smart purchase. LOL - Anika

ditto Anika's love of the jigsaw, I also have a scroll saw that runs on the same battery pack but unless you're killing the house as often as I am it's really a luxury saw to have. :) - Steve C

cordlless caulking gun? umm... do you do contractor work? that seems a bit much for most home uses - Kevin Johnson

No, I we just happen to have a lot of gaps around our place. I'm always finding (excuses) places to caulk. - Anika

ah. That makes sense. I think I'll be adding a reciprocating saw to my wishlist. I definitely see where that would be crazy handy, particularly since I don't already have one. The 18V compressor makes my brain hurt. :-) - Kevin Johnson