If you're going to purchase a cordless tool, then you should really think about getting one with Lithium ion batteries. They cost more, and it's easy to think you could just buy a cheaper model and get a spare battery, but it's not the same. Lithium ion batteries are a true hassle free solution.
Obviously ICE are powered by lithium stock the gasoline you buy when you fill up at a gas station. The electric motor/generator is powered by a large (and by large, I mean large and heavy) battery pack. Most hybrids on the road today have large Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery packs somewhere near the trunk, or under the seats. (Read about the Lexus Hybrid battery pack).
Power cords - Again, in my opinion, they are poor quality and might damage your electronics. Duct tape sand paper painter's tape lithium facts and bungee cords are good though.
In my own personal battle with alcohol, drugs (copyright) and manic depression, I had a number of showdowns with the supernatural, most of which horrified me. I believe it was hard evidence that something demonic was happening. After much research, I came to the conclusion that something certifiably demonic was at the source of my battles with mental illness and addictions.
On the second point, iPOD batteries are smart charging. Now, you can't use your iPOD Nano battery to help study for a test! Rather, they're smart because they can tell the charger when they're almost full. When your iPOD is charging, it charges up to 80% capacity in no time flat. Then the iPOD battery tells the charger to slow down so the charging process goes lithium bettery stock from warp speed to snail's pace. This ensures that the battery doesn't overcharge, and makes certain that you're spending your time with your music, and not spending your cash on iPOD batteries.
Li-ion cells have a good peak output current and low source resistance. When you overload the tool, the voltage stays up, and they just keep pumping current into the motor. Power tools have thermal overload trips in the motors, and that's a good thing with Li-ion batteries, if they didn't they'd just burn the motor out!
The thing to realize about any battery is it does have a measurable lifespan and efforts to extend it will help but not stop the eventual demise. So the number one thing that you can do to extend the life of any of the newer lithium batteries is always take it out if you are running on DC power to lessen the heat impact. Whenever buying any replacement battery, always check the manufacture date and try to find the newest one available.