Laminate counters are made of plastic-coated synthetics that carry the trademarks such as Formica, Nevamar, and Wilsonart.  They provide a smooth surface to work on and the pieces are cut to size and are finished on the ends.
Pros: You can buy laminates in variety of differnet colors. They are  easy to maintain and are very durable. More importantly, they are inexpensive if you are on a tight budget.
Cons:  Any scratches or chips are very difficult to repair. Seams will show and end finishing and front edge choices can quickly add up.