Hardwood is a better investment as far as longevity goes. It has a more natural and polished look uch longer. Even after the hardwood has led a rough life there are options. You can refinish, or just let the personality be apart of the decore. Hardwood has a look and a feel that even the best laminate can not replicate. But, it comes at a price. it is about twice the price of laminate.

Twice the price, you say. Good laminate does look great for a long time. It stands up to "life" very well. There are many options and colors. Installation is a snap (literally) to install. If you have kids or have dinner parties where women wear the sharp heels. laminate may be a better choice.

I am always partial to prefinished hardwood. I have installed hardwood laminate before. I was not impressed with the "feel" and the "clack" that I heard and felt walking on it. It looked beautiful though.

The best way to choose between prefinished hardwood and hardwood laminate is how you will use the room slated for installation. The other is price. It is difficult to tell the best laminate from hardwood.

Sorry, but even given all the information, my choice is still the prefinished hardwood.