The lithium version has none of these drawbacks. Because there's no cord it's more comfortable to hold (and much more convenient to use!), about the same weight as a corded model, and has plenty of RPMs and torque. Battery lifetimes are very good, and the "fuel gauge" seems to be reasonably accurate. (Exactly how long a charge will last depends greatly on what you're using it for--working on balsa wood uses a lot less power than, say, grinding metal.)

Battery charge times are quite short, about three hours to charge a completely empty battery. (But thanks to a "smart charger" it should only take a few minutes to charge it after a typical job.) An added bonus is that lithium batteries hold their charges practically forever, so there's no need to "trickle charge" them; just charge it back up after you're done with it and put it away, and it'll be ready to use the next time you need it.

The only nit I've found so far is the need to remove the battery to charge it. (This is probably for safety's sake.) It'd be slightly more convenient to just put the whole unit in the charger after use, but since it doesn't need charging that often this is really minor.

I'd consider this to be an entirely practical replacement for a corded Dremel. For everything I use my Dremel for (mostly small models plus the occasional home repair task) this one seems more than adequate. It's a sturdy unit that should last a long time.

My one concern about lifetime is how long the lithium battery will last; only time will tell.

I've been hesitant about the earlier cordless Dremels but this one looks like "it".

So far it's done everything I've asked it to do but I haven't asked it to do much--I got it specifically to deal with a piece of acrylic that my cordless Rotozip melted instead of cutting--I figured the adjustable speed on the Dremel would take care of that and was right.

Just an aside about stalling--if you're stalling a Dremel then it's time to take a good hard look at a Rotozip, which, if you've never played with one, is kind of a Dremel on steroids--Dremel has an equivalent, the "Advantage", but only the one model and not cordless.

The lack of a provision to charge the battery with the tool attached is just carrying through the current practice with cordless tools--it's assumed that one will have two batteries, one on the tool and one on charge if this is an issue. There's space in the case for a second battery.

A "gotcha" to be aware of with the lithium ion batteries, always store them charged--if they self-discharge below a certain point a protective circuit kicks in and they disable themselves--this is a safety issue--trying to recharge a lithium ion battery that is discharged below a certain point can result in an explosion (I'm not talking about a little spill--exploding lithium batteries in emergency-locator transmitters have brought down light aircraft).

The bundled accessories are, near as I can figure it:

Aluminum oxide stone #932 and #8193
Silicon carbide stone #84922
Aluminum oxide abrasive wheel #541
2 rubber polishing wheels #425
3 Large felt polishing wheels #429
5 Small felt polishing wheels #414
1 cutter, looks like a #181
1 drill bit, #150
1 Mandrel #401 (for felt pads etc)
1 Mandrel #402 (for sanding disks, cutoff wheels etc)
Sanding cylinder mandrels 1/4" and 1/2"
4 80 grit 1/2" sanding cylinders
3 120 grit 1/2" sanding cylinders
4 80 grit 1/4" sanding cylinders
3 120 grit 1/4" sanding cylinders
11 sanding disks
17 cutoff wheels, 3 are thicker than the others, the others are in two containers of 10 and 4 but can't tell any difference between them.
1 wrench with screwdriver tip that fits screws on mandrels
1 case with a good deal of unused storage even after all the accessories are stored.

I'm telling you, I use this thing constantly and it works like a champ! It is powerful enough for me to cut all my brass and aluminum with the precision of that of a doctor. For as handy as this tool is--I'd pay twice as much to get one if need be. I've had mine for 5 months too.

One HUGE word of advice. WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES! I know this may sound lame, but it saved my @ss!!! When cutting some tubing, my disk exploded at full RPM's and the shrapnel hit me in the goggles. (Of course I had my fat head over top of it while I was cutting) Just be careful. The tool is A+, but the little thing could be dangerous if you slack on the safety.

DS12DVF3 Driver Drill Kit Tool Specifications Chuck Size 3/8-inch Drilling Capacity - Wood 1-inch Max Torque 230-inches/lbs No-Load Speed 0-350, 0-1,050 RPM Clutch Stages 22 Tool Length 7.75-inches Tool Weight 3.3 lbs Bit Holders 2 Battery Capacity 1.4 Ah Charger - Volts Accepted 9.6 - 18 V Charging Time 30 min

22-stage clutch offers easy adjustments for driving in wood, plastic, steel, and aluminum. View larger.

Kit includes high-quality flashlight, battery charger, and seven-piece bit set. View larger.

Also, a 22-stage clutch offers easy adjustments for high torque and precision driving in wood, plastic, steel, and aluminum. And with tool-less clutch adjustment, this drill handles precision fasteners, such as drywall screws, without damaging walls.

Compact, Ergonomic Design for Easy Handling
The DS12DVF3 has all the power you need and is still lightweight and compact enough to provide superior handling. At just 7-3/4 inches in length and weighing just 3.3 pounds, this tool reduces user fatigue and can be used on a ladder or in tight spaces where larger cordless drills can't reach. An added bonus, a non-slip elastomer grip provides comfort and safety.

Adding to this drill's easy-handling features is a 3/8-inch keyless chuck that allows for easy bit changes, as well as a patented five-position belt hook--with two bit holders--that saves time and adds convenience.

Everything You Need in One Package
The DS12DVF3 Kit includes more than just the cordless driver drill. It also includes a high-quality flashlight and a seven-piece bit set to get you started immediately. For further convenience, a protective carrying case stores it all for easy portability from job to job.

Long-Lasting NiCD Batteries Charge in 30 Minutes
The DS12DF3 kit's driver drill and flashlight run on 1.4-Ah nickel cadmium (NiCD) batteries (included), which offer longer runtimes and fewer charges than traditional batteries.

The kit's quick charger fully charges the batteries in just 30 minutes, and you can expect about 300 charges over the life of each battery. An added bonus, the charger is compatible with other Hitachi tools that use NiCD rechargeable batteries (up to 18 volts).

The Hitachi DS12DVF3 Driver Drill Kit with Flashlight is backed by a five-year warranty.

What's in the Box
DS12DVF3 Driver Drill, driver bit, seven-piece bit set, flashlight, two 1.4-Ah batteries, quick charger, and carrying case.

View larger

BDF452HW Features POWER - Makita-built 4-pole motor delivers 450 in.lbs. of Max. Torque COMFORT - Only 3.5 lbs. with comfortable ergonomic grip and built-in L.E.D. light SPEED - 2-speed all metal transmission PERFORMANCE - 18V Compact Li-Ion batteries charge in 15 minutes, run longer and deliver 2.5X more cycles INCLUDES - Two 18V compact lithium-ion batteries, rapid charger and case

Tool Specifications Capacities Steel (1/2"), Wood (1-1/2") No-load speed 0-400, 0-1,500 RPM Maximum torque 450 in.lbs. PTI torque 285 in.lbs. Battery 18V compact lithium-ion Overall length 8" Net weight 3.5 lbs. (w/battery)

Ergonomic Design in a Compact Size
The BDF452HW weighs only 3.5 pounds with a more compact design at 8 inches long, and an ergonomic shape that fits like a glove for reduced operator fatigue. The BDF452HW is also equipped with a built in L.E.D. light that illuminates the work area for more efficient work.

Versatile Design for a Range of Applications
The BDF452HW is perfect for a range of driving and drilling into wood and steel, and can be utilized in many different areas such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, electrical, remodeling, woodworking, and more. The combination of power and performance in a compact size makes the BDF452HW ideal for any pro contractor who requires a best-in-class engineered compact cordless driver-drill. The BDF452HW is just another example of Makita's commitment to innovative technology and best in class engineering.

About Makita's 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless Tool Series
As one of the pioneers driving the cordless tool revolution, Makita changed the game with its breakthrough 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Series. Three years after its debut, Makita's LXT Series has grown from seven to over 35 tools, providing a wide range of cordless solutions for professional tradesmen. Makita also added 18V compact lithium-ion for cordless power in a more compact size. Makita's 18V Lithium-Ion batteries and ENERGY STAR rated Optimum Charging System provide several benefits over old battery technology. When compared to traditional 18V Ni-Cd batteries, Makita's 18V Lithium-Ion batteries have 40% less weight, longer run time, and five-times lower self-discharge to keep cells active and ready to use at any time.

Makita's 18V Lithium-Ion battery delivers 2,000 cycles--2.5X more than Ni-Cd. In addition, built-in shock absorbing features help protect the battery, and 16 firm-holding contact terminals deliver constant high power. During the charging process, a built-in memory chip in the battery communicates with the Optimum Charger for a more efficient charge, extending the battery life. Makita's Optimum Charger is also faster: it will charge an 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery in just 30 minutes, and an 18V compact lithium-ion battery in only 15 minutes. Makita also offers a Rapid Automotive Charger for 18V LXT and 18V compact lithium-ion batteries that plugs into 12V DC sockets equipped in most automobiles and trucks for added mobility. Makita's growing line of LXT cordless tool solutions features a wide range of industrial-quality power tools, including driver-drills, impact drivers, impact wrenches, saws, grinders, screwguns, rotary hammers, and more. The LXT Series also offers a jobsite radio, rechargeable flashlights, and several different combo kits.

About Makita
Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita applies leading-edge innovation to engineer power tools that are more compact and energy efficient, yet deliver industrial strength power and results. Makita U.S.A., Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or visit makitatools.com. Makita is Best in Class Engineering.

Warranty
Every Makita Lithium-Ion tool is backed by Makita's 3-Year Warranty that covers repair due to defects in materials or workmanship up to three years from the date of original purchase. Makita Lithium-Ion batteries and chargers have a limited 1-year warranty. Please see makitatools.com for complete details. (The owner’s manual included in the box incorrectly states that the tool has a 1-year warranty.  Since the printing of the manual the warranty on the tool has been expanded to 3 years. The battery warranty is valid for 1 year.) 

What's in the Box
Makita BDF452HW 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2-Inch Driver-Drill, two 18V compact lithium-ion batteries, 15-Minute Rapid Optimum Charger, tool case.