I would like to the battery percent to be displayed in the top tool bar, is there an app or widget that does this?
I use Battery Indicator by Darshan Computing. It sits on the left side of the screen and does not replace the original. If you want to replace the manufacturers icon then you'll have to root your phone.
Battery indicator - Search Android Apps on AppBrain
When you pull down the task bar and tap on Battery Indicator, it gives you plenty of info about how your battery is used. It also includes time since last charge.
Try gauge battery widget....it allows for different battery indicators for both the screen and notification bar...it has a free and paid version