WHEN YOU NEED THE POWER OF A 1/2 INCH DRILL, MORE OFTEN THAN NOT YOU HAVE ACCESS TO PLUGIN ELECTRICITY.  THIS IS NOT THE MOST POWERFUL UNIT OUT THERE  (OTHERS ARE 9, 10 AMPS)  BUT IT IS GOING TO HAVE MORE POWER THAN ANY CORDLESS UNIT.  IT WILL TAKE CARE OF ANYTHING I NEED AS A HOMEOWNER.  MY CORDLESS 3/8 DRILL DOES THE LIGHTER STUFF.  I STILL HAVE CONFIDENCE IN DEWALT BACKING UP THEIR PRODUCTS.