I have a two story house with laminate wood all over except for the bathrooms and i love it. Very easy to clean. My sewing room (was loft area) has a little piece of carpet that i am taking out because it catches every single thread and it annoys me. As for the sounds or cracks like others mentioned you have to spend good money on the underlay just like the laminate. Get it thick and rubbery kind of. I have had my floors for 7 years now and no problems at all.
Hope that helps.