In my condo, which I sold last month, I replaced the counters with Wilsonart formica. They have several patterns that look for all the world like granite. I did the formica in the condo as I did not want to "over improve" and still stand by that decision. Where I moved has granite. I do like it but it IS hard. I'm reminded of that every time I put down a coffee cup.
If I were making the decision (I wasn't) I would opt for quartz or corian.