gdgt

So I have one of the earlier versions of the MacBook Pro:
2.13 gig intel core duo
160 GB HD
3 GB RAM - I installed 2 more gigs

I want to upgrade my hard drive, namely for more space and more speed. However, I have been researching some of the different drives and I am having trouble deciding what the best avenue is:

SATA - Hitachi, Samsung, Toshiba? I have seen mixed reviews for Seagate and WD for Macs.
or
SSD - Crucial, Samsung, OWC, Intel? - I have seen good reviews for the first 3.

I like the fact that the SSD Drives are faster and quieter. I like the idea of my fan not tripping on and off so much if at all. Also, I have read some pretty mixed reviews in terms of the noise factor involved with using the SATA 7200 RPM Drives; hat will drive me nuts
However, and correct me if I'm wrong, but I think my computer is running with the SATA 1.0 connection only.
I have seen that most of the new SSD drives are focused on the SATA 3.0 connections b/c they are much faster connections.
Is it worth it to upgrade to an SSD drive? Or should I just make the logical economic decision and go with the
SATA 5400 rpm drive with beefed up memory?

I would like my computer to be nice and crisp in the event I start using it for more imaging.
Also, knock on wood, it has been running great for about 4.5 years now and I would rather put a little more money into making it run better, with some extra memory, than go out and purchase a brand new computer.

I really appreciate any advice anyone can give me.