Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Wood vs. Laminate

I'm a new home buyer who is currently considering flooring options. The laminate offered by the builder's design center is called "Formica", which is a brand I have never heard of. I have heard conflicting reports on both hard wood and laminate. Our biggest concern is ease of maintainence. Thanks for the help.

Its a toss up- Do you have kids? Do you want to have you floors sanded every 10-15 years?
Formica has been making laminates for years recently in the flooring business.
I just-yesterday installed ((glued to the slab with a non-flash glue (no set-up time lay it and set-it)) then I used a concrete sealer as insurance for moisture. I have neighbors with Bruce, Pergo, and others with a variety of installations and mine sounds solid not hollow and looks the best. I do have a child and we all remove the shoes when we go in and out. Areas of water, laundry and bathroom downstairs have ceramic tile.
Hope to have been some help-\
DrTodd
Real wood floors glued down are the best as far as I'm concerned.

For ease of maintenance I would lean to the laminated floor. Barring a serious flood, which hopefully you will be insured against, Laminated floors are lower maintenance, clean easier, are more cigarette and scratch resistant, etc.

Wood can have a better look, but aside from saying it's real, wat difference does it make?