I install flooring (including laminates) for a living. Laminates are a very good floor depending on what brand you buy. Any thing from Tarkett, Wilsonart, of Formica is a quality floor. Stay away from Pergo because they are crap and will chip if you drop anything on them. Also, dont get the ones with the built in pad, get the ones with the separate padding. Lamiate flooring is quite pricey, but if your doing it yourself you can save a lot of money. Just take your time and make sure that all of your joints are tight as you lay each board. Also, make sure that you leave at least a 1/4 inch gap around all the walls to allow for expansion and contraction. (this gap will be covered up by your moulding) If you don't do that, the floor will buckle. Any more questions feel free to PM me.

Brent