Vikas is right on all accounts, except I don't NEED the impact aspect, really. My work will be mostly lightweight household work.
Thanks for ALL replies and feedback. I learned a lot.
Finally went with a brand that I didn't research on yesterday:
HITACHI, the only brand in the price range with LIFETIME tool warranty and a 2 yr battery warranty:
Reasons:
-18 Volt
-great reviews by more professionals on amazon (contractors etc), than other brands from what I could tell - and no 1-star reviews at all
-2 batteries
-400 in/lb torque
-**** lifetime warranty ***
-LED placed base and angled upwards (no shadows as when LED is near trigger)
-(Brushless motor?? I think)
-Hard shell case
-$25 off special on amazon
- OK it looks cool, too, but mostly it looks SOLID somehow..
-Hitachi reputation for tools/machinery stuff.
All for $94 delivered with amazon prime, INCLUDING the 83 piece bit/driver set, also made by Hitachi.
This is what I got:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K0O7...ailpage_o00_s00
It's possible my choice is not be perfect but I had to get one, and after considering many pluses I could see with my limited knowledge and no glaring cons, and being within my price range after the amazon special offer for select Hitachi drill/driver units, I thought I'd go with it...