The drill that I have is a NiCad, while the new ones are Lithium Ion. When you buy them from Home Depot they have a lifetime warranty, which I used to replace a battery. My Father-in-Law used it to replace the whole drill!
The battery that I received in exchange was a Lithium Ion, so when I called to extend the warranty to it they wouldn't let me. The lady on the phone told me to go back to the store and return it and get a Ni-cad one instead... I didn't. My old charger seems to work with it, though I imagine I might be shortening the life of it. I am planning on getting a new combo when I find a good sale, because I can still use my old batteries with the new kits.
Ridgid is a bit more expensive, but the quality and warranty make it worth it, I think.
