Me thinks a lot of it has to do with what your small projects are.
I've found dirty car work (motor oil/rust), woodworking (shavings/sawdust), and metalworking (metal shavings)- don't mix. Somewhat different tops for all three.
As others said- solid base is key, really for all three. specially with the vice. You want to be able to beat the hell out of it.
Dirty stuff- Heavy duty lumber.
Woodworking- nice closed cell wood like MBA targa's bench. Looks like maple or something.
Fine stuff- electronics/model trains/ RC cars- I like white melamine tops. Easy to clean. Good contrast. Little screws have no where to hide.
Metal- I also like a super hard smoothsurface like steel, nothing that will catch or embed metal shavings.
So- basically, you'll need three benches.
