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 We just got one of these Hitachi DB 10DL 10.8v Micro Drivers to check out and I'm impressed. First off, thank you Hitachi for thinking of your customer and including a 7-piece bit set. Most drill/Driver kits that we've looked at come with just one bit - or none at all and you're left wondering why such a large manufacturer can't throw in a few 2-cent bits.
The Hitachi DB 10DL Micro Driver is nicely balanced and lightweight at 1.8 pounds. It has 2-LED bulbs which surround the chuck for lighting up your work area compared to one bulb on most of the other drivers we've looked at. The Micro Driver features a very responsive variable speed trigger which gives you great control for fine cabinet and woodworking tasks - it's a nice feature to have a very slow mode for drilling and screw driving. The DB 10DL also has a quick change 1/4" hex chuck for easy bit changeout.
Hitachi leads the industry with a 5-year warranty on the DB 10DL Micro Driver and states that their patented charger circuitry prevents battery overheating and power loss, which has been some concern with lithium ion battery use. The kit includes a 40-minute charger, 2-batteries, a carrying case, driver bit and as I mentioned earlier, a generous 7-piece bit set.
 As far as battery Level is concerned, Hitachi followed Milwaukee's lead and included a charge indicator light that warns you when the run-time is getting low. With 21 torque settings and a drill mode, the Hitachi Micro Driver, can also be used as a drill with the DeWalt 3/8-inch keyless chuck for Impact Drivers attachment. If you don't want to spend $40 or don't need this heavier-duty attachment, you can purchase a GRIP 10-piece Hex Head Drill Bit Set for 8 bucks. The GRIP kit may be a better option for a 10.8v drill/driver.
The Hitachi DB 10DL Micro Driver, with a capacity of 88 in-lbs of torque is comparable to the Bosch PS20 which pushes 80 in-lbs of torque and the Milwaukee 12v sub compact driver which pushes 100 in-lbs of torque. We will be putting all three drivers to the test later this week in a video escapade so stay tuned for the test results. Will DeWalt and Makita respond with their own version of the compact drill/driver? Stay tuned to find out...
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Oh, the Makita 3/8" chuck adapter is about$25-$30, depending on where you shop.
Dave