difference between semi-metallic and ceramic brake pads?

[resq302]

I am about to replace the front and rear brakes on my wifes car.  Which is better for improved stopping?  Ceramic or semi metallic brake pads?  I know the ceramic does not give off the amount of black dust that the semi metallics do but I am not concerned about that.  I am mainly concerned about the stopping performance.  I am going to be going with Raybestos PG pads but do not know which material would be better.  If it matters, this will be on my wifes 2005 Ford Explorer Limited 4x4.  According to Rockauto.com and Partsamerica.com, the ceramic were O.E. from Ford.  One thing to note, the price of everything for the brakes, pads and rotors were A LOT cheaper at Rockauto.com.  $215 at rockauto vs. $422 at Partsamerica.

Any help and input would be greatly appreciated.

[gtx6970]

ceramics will be less fade and less dust , pads will last longer but harder on the rotors
semi-metallics will be more dust but but much easier on the rotors

I'm not a big fan of ceramic pads myself, I'd rather deal with the dust and have my rotors  last longer