Even better best friend
The IXO is still serving me well, but there are certain tasks where a cordless screwdriver simply has to provide a lot more grunt. The pedestrian performing green Bosch tools are for the DIY enthusiast. If you need to do something a notch above DIY, you need to lay your hands on the blue line, generally targeted at trade and industry. These tools are costly, but are more likely to survive rough handling and are engineered to provide a lot more power and reliability. So, the slighltly larger, blue GDR 10.8V-LI cordless impact driver has moved into the IXO‘s spot in the toolbox.
The GDR 10.8V-LI is provided in a soft carrying case that holds the impact driver, two lithium ion battery packs and a charger. Two battery packs ensure longer runtime and allow one battery to be used while the other is charging. Bosch has employed a quick charging method to ensure the battery is filled to 75% capacity in only half the charge time. Nonetheless, the lithium ion battery is protected against damage from overheating and overcharging by some logic in the charging circuit. Since it’s German technology, I’ll trust in the marketing blurb without questioning it too much 
The tool holder is a 1/4″ hexagon and is driven to a maximum of 1800rpm in either forward or reverse up to 100Nm torque. The speed settings are variable and set by rotating the numbered dial on the nose of the tool. It goes without saying that the performance of the GDR leaves the IXO in the dust quite comfortably. Due to the power of the impact action, it is possible to use the GDR to drill guide holes in softish wood, for example. If you’re in the market for a more serious cordless screwdriver, the GDR 10.8V-LI may be worth investigating.
