Laminate flooring has been around for quite a few years now but the newest generations of laminates are very impressive including bevels, micro-bevels, registered embossing, ceramic and slate looks and even cork looks.
Laminates are almost exclusively "click" together floating floors that lay loose over a 1/8" cushion.
A floor with no rises or dips of greater than 1/10 inch in 8 ft. is a candidate for laminates.
They can go over most flooring including ceramic, vinyl, wood or even concrete.
15-25 year warranties are generally the case.  Our laminates are 8-9 mm in thickness, which is not the same as some of the Big Box types.
If a board gets damaged, we can replace a board fairly easily regardless of location of the damaged area.
Some of our laminates are even warranted in baths or wet areas provided proper installation is performed.