Hi Brian;
I recently remodeled our island home with "Certainteed Cedar Impressions" siding. Looks like shakes but is completely maintenance free which is what I wanted. I couldn't be happier with the product. While it is not cheap, it is very durable and almost unbreakable. It has not faded and really does look like a cedar shake / shingle.
http://www.certainteed.com/products/...hingle-siding#
I had a home previously with true cedar shakes and I felt it was a lot of maintenance to keep them looking good.
Good luck with whatever you decide!
Dan