While not a contractor, I do use my tools almost daily on a 5 acre ranch I own and Ryobi just won't cut it, maybe fine for Snipers uses of hanging pictures of many ex girlfriends, but I want my stuff to last more than a couple years protection plan or not.
I work my tools and use them hard.
Good review of drills on Popular Mechanics.
SWEET review of cordless drills by Popular Mechanics, seemed to run them through their paces pretty well. That Makita of editors "best over-all" choice seems pretty sweet, I like metal over plastic Ryobis! Ever drop tools from ladders?, plastic just don't cut it.
Popular Mechanics back in 2008 seemed to run them through their paces pretty well.
Cordless Drill Review - Dewalt, Ryobi, Makita and More Cordless Drill Ratings - Popular Mechanics