I just upgraded the hard drive in my 2010 13" MacBook Pro. I read lots of reviews before I chose a Hitachi 750 GB @ 5400 RPM. I have several WD external drives that have been very reliable, but went with Hitachi because that's the brand that shipped with my Mac. I chose 5400 RPM because I wanted a quiet, cool drive more than a fast drive, and I read that some faster drives can run a bit hotter and noisier. I ordered it from OWC as part of a kit that includes the screwdrivers you need as well as an external drive case to use when you format the new drive, install the OS, and migrate your data. You can also use the case to install your old drive and use it as external storage after you've swapped the drives.
The way OWC said to do it, which is the way i did it, is to format the new drive, install Mac OS X, and transfer your data with the new drive connected to your Mac as an external drive using USB (Firewire would be faster but I think you'd need the cable with an adapter for the new drive). Apple and OWC both recommend using Migration Assistant, so you're treating the new drive as if it were a new computer, and then migrating your data from your current hard drive to the new one. I thought it would be a Time Machine restore, but that isn't what they recommend, though it may be possible. OWC has a very thorough list of all the steps to follow to format the new drive, install OS X from the DVD, transfer your data, and upgrade the OS:
http://eshop.macsales.com/articles/how-to-transfer-your-data-from-your-old-drive -to-a-new-drive
Then you swap our the drives. OWC has a series of videos that show exactly how to install the new hard drive, and they have a separate video for every MacBook model, by size, processor, and year. Be sure to view this ahead of time.
So far, the Hitachi is running just as quietly and cool as the 320 GB drive that shipped with my Mac, so I'm happy.
I'm also looking at upgrading my RAM to 8 GB, and am debating between OWC's RAM or Crucial from Newegg.
Hope this helps!