I imagine that I'm not alone in general frustration with siding options. Having had older houses and continuous painting projects (it just never ends) my wife has totally nixed the idea of anything that needs paint (at least anything that needs paint with less that 15year intervals). However, I really (REALLY) dislike regular vinyl. The cedar impressions-style vinyl is pretty good but pretty expensive. There is a outfit Everlast Siding New England which has a product that is from what I can tell basically plastic clapboard - think really thick vinyl siding in single-plank form. Anyway, there is zero cost information that I can find without getting a full quote from somebody on site which probably means it's super expensive. Any experience out there?

I to share your views on siding. That being said, was looking for log siding without any maintenance.
Kaycan carries montebello log siding which comes with foam backing for impact resistance.

Chose the aged look instead of the new pine look and am very pleased with the choice we made.
Before we decided, was hesitant since price tag goes for about 200$ + a square.

Looking closer at what was needed as far as finishing and maintenance throughout the years with real wood, was the deciding factor. Cheaping out on something you like is usually a bad choice from pesonal experience. Don't foget that you'll be staring at it for a long time. Just my opinion and experience. Cheers.