batteries already partially charged straight out of the box and ready to use. The batteries are very easy to replace, just insert and hear a click. Removal is easy, just press the lever on the front and slide it out. The battery must be disconnected from the drill to charge it. Just connect your charger and plug it into an outlet. The red light will flash to let you know it's charging and stay on, and when charging is complete it will turn green. It has a button that you can slide in the middle so it doesn't accidentally turn on when you need to put it down. The drill itself is relatively quiet compared to other drills I've used in the past. It's even quieter than my hair dryer. Forward and reverse motion is well screwed into a standard 2X4. I tried the two drill bits I had (1/16 and 1/4) and increased the torque to drill. The torque ring is numbered with a screw on one end and a drill on the other end. I increased the torque on the drill bits and the drill bit is powerful enough to make clean holes in 2X4. The drill did not lose power and did not freeze when screwing or drilling. The trigger is a speed adjustment and the chuck is easy to operate, no separate tool is required, and the torque is also easy to adjust. I am very satisfied with this product.