Although I have a 3-speed impact driver that I have made use of the different speeds in several situations, I would have to say that the combo kit would be the better way to go if you're going to do drilling as well as fastening.
I'd have to agree with you on this being a really good deal. Considering it included a 5.0ah battery and charger, you get the trimmer or blower for next to nothing.
Thanks for letting me know about the top handle version, NERemodeling. Although I'm more interested in the barrel grip, I'm going to have to start looking around to see how much the top handle goes for and how it feels in my hand.
Sorry to hear of your loss of your beautiful GSD. They are amazingly intelligent and loyal (and talkative) creatures. We currently have a small female GSD and a larger lab/GSD mix. Although my wife and I wait an hour or so to let them out after eating, I still worry about bloat sometimes as the young one still romps around inside like a puppy even though she is coming up on 3 years old. I actually wish I had her stomach tacked down when she was spayed because she can be so hyper at times.
I would love to see more DeWalt combos packaged with ToughSystem cases, especially some of the nicer stuff. Still can't figure out why the only ToughSystem combo I have seen is the cheap set at HD.
Does anyone know what the 5" model number is here in the U.S.? (that is if it has been released here) I can only find the 4-1/2" version (XAG03) for sale.