Laminates have really come a long way in the last couple of years. The small sample should be exactly the same as the full-size sheets. You can order larger samples (5x7 from Formica for example) directly from the laminate manufacturer on their website, usually for free or just a few bucks. If you are working with a kitchen designer, they should be able to get you larger samples for free. They should also be able to show you different options for the edge. You can get a fairly complex edge with laminate, you would be surprised. I particularly love the edge that shows the layers of plywood underneath (see example).

In my opinion, laminate is a great counter top material that has gotten a bad rap. So you can't put hot things on it? You can't put hot things on many other counter top materials either. It requires no maintenance, it doesn't scratch or stain easily, and with a good edge detail it can really look great.

I would recommend avoiding laminate that imitates stone or wood, because when you try to get a material to pretend to be something it isn't, the results can be disappointing in many ways (like when your babysitter thinks it is real granite and scorches it with a hot pan). Depending on the style you are going for, many people are starting to add brightly-colored materials in their kitchens. A laminate counter top is the perfect place to go bold.