interest in a 18V gun. I have heard lots of good things about
Panasonic batteries but what about their drills?

Excellent!

Anyone have one of the Panasonic drills?

Aamof, yes - I just bought the very one you mentioned. I've had it a
month or so now, and I've been extremely pleased. It seems to have
just as much power, and probably a longer runtime, than the 16.8V
Craftsman it replaced. I like the compact feel and light weight, and
I haven't yet had a job for which the Panasonic 12 was underpowered.
Highly recommended.

One big drawback is according to the description I can't snap my R2
and P1 bits in the side of the drill like I can with my DW...

That is the one drawback I found also. I glued a couple of 1/4" dia
rare earth magnets to the front of the battery compartment, and that
does and OK job of holding a driver bit. My better solution, though,
was to get a double-sided bit, with a phillips on one end and a R2
square-drive on the other. Available from Rockler and others, and I
think I saw a 3-pack of Dewalt bits like this on Amazon - maybe you
can add that to your order.
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW2215-...5101668&sr=8-1
(or search DW2215 if the link doesn't work)
Since I use the cordless primarily for driving in the shop, I can
usually leave this single bit in and just reverse it as needed.
Also, if you're willing to spend a few bucks more, I think McFeeley's
might have a little driver-bit clip that you can attach to your
drill.

Good luck, and let me know if you have any more questions about this
drill,
Andy
(No affiliations with anyone mentioned above...)