18v Cordless Drills

- What is the best 18V lithium-ion cordless drill out now?
I originally purchased a Dewalt drill with Nicad batteries. However,after fooling around with the lighter lithium based cordless drill/drivers I've decided to go that route. I'll be using this drill from everything from hanging blinds to decking. I'm not a contractor but more of a DIY weekend warrior. The one thing that I was concerned about was being able to drill into concrete. Seems like the drill/drivers that have the hammerdrill feature are on the heavy side and I was looking for something lighter. Am I better off just getting a seperate corded hammerdrill or Hilti drill for the very few times that I may need to drill into concrete? So far I've had my eye on Makita's,Hitatchi,Ridgid to name a few. Can anyone offer some opinions? Is anyone familiar with Ridgid? They came out with a new 18V lithium with a larger battery than the new compact Makita(black & white). Ridgid offers a lifetime warranty(even on the batteries). I'd like to hear from anyone who has used their tools. The 18V is around 4.5lbs. http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/R86006-Compact-Lithium-Ion-Drill/EN/index.htm

A Dewalt is made by black and decker...made in china....if you can afford it go the jap route with the makita....it's quality you can hold....try the impact driver ....they are small but pack a huge punch......as for concrete drilling...our shop has used and abused Bosch and Hilti...ether one is worth the 150-200$...yes go corded on this...

- which drill should i buy for general use?
im looking to buy a drill my limit is $200 the most before tax. im looking to get one of the following Milwaukee 18V Li-Ion Compact Drill Kit Model 2601-22 $199.00 RIDGID Lithium Compact Drill Driver Model R86006 $187.00 Makita 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2 In. Driver-Drill Kit Model BDF452HW $201.00 so i am unsure of which one to get. some review say that the makita batteries are dead after one year. the milwaukee has batteries issues as well. the ridgid has 5 out of 5. the milwaukee and makita brands are better than ridgid but the ridgid came out with better reviews. let me know what you think. please no other brands just the three that i mentioned. this drill will be used for general use and rarely used im not in the trade but i am a handy man and when the time comes i want a good drill not a cheap one like b&d

A All of the brands you are considering are fine ones. However, battery life is going to be an issue with any brand, especially since, like me, you are only going to use the drill occasionally. I have found it better to buy a good quality variable speed drill with a cord... The results are no battery issues and much better power. If you are strictly considering a battery drill then may I suggest a 24 volt drill, and consider the one with the least expensive battery...because the limited use in itself will result in shortened battery life. Good luck.