I bought my father a Makita drill with Ni-MH batteries maybe three or four years ago. He used it around the house sporadically and now the batteries no longer hold a charge for long at all.
I bought the Ni-MH batteries specifically because they are supposed to be longer lasting than Nicad. I have a Ridgid drill with Nicad batteries bought around the same time still going strong, but I also have used the heck out of my drill.
For someone who uses a cordless drill sporadically, are Nicad or Ni-MH batteries better? (Sorry, but can't afford Li-ion.) I can buy new Ni-MH batteries for $75 or get a whole new Ridgid drill with Nicad batts (and lifetime batteries) for $99.
I hate to throw away a good drill, but if the battery technology is the wrong choice it will cost less in the long run to get a drill with different batteries?