FWIW, when I replace pads, I like the ceramics over other varieties (organic, semi metallics, carbon metallic, etc). They stop well and don't dust as badly as other choices IMHO.
For rotors, Brembo solid blanks do well (not blingy though).
I don't know how much the conversions like Matt talked about are. In between (price-wise) would be take-off New Edge PBR calipers.
I'll let you know in a couple of days. I am in the process of converting to Cobra calipers up front and will be installing new EBC dimpled & slotted rotors all around with their Red pads.
I have ceramic pads and drilled rotors on my car. Initial stopping power is actually probably slightly lesser than the metallic pads, but that can be cured with a little more brake pedal. The ceramic pads are more easily modulated and less resistant to brake fade though.
...but I didn't care about any of that. The main reason I went with mine is because the rotors looked cool and the ceramic pads produce less brake dust on the wheels....which means my lazy ass doesn't have to clean them as often.