Is there a way to make Windows do that automatically without having to do "save as/browse to where I want to save on the hard drive"?
Yes and no. It is usually application specific as to whether or not it automatically saves to a particular directory. For instance my Adobe programs are all on the SSD but all temp files they use are on my regular HD.
I am really thinking about getting one for my laptop now. Even though I would be going from 500 gigs in my current HD to only 120 for the SSD, the speed and battery life increases would make it well worth it.