goforGC,
I had applied for EAD online in June and my experience was reasonable.
Once you fill up the forms and submit it, you should take a print out of receipt and forms etc.
They send the actual receipts also a few days after.
You have to go to INS center for getting the digital photos and digital fingerprints (no extra fees) after taking the appointment. There is a 800 numner you get while filling the application so just talk to them and take a convenient appointment.
I had went to Oakland center after taking a Saturday appointment and everything went better then what I was expecting. It was quick (I was done in half an hour or so) and the folks were nice.
I had got mine after 2 months and 10 days..
I had used a checking account of a major bank to pay the fees.
Had also appended my experience to the thread "New online EAD...Your participation required"
There are a few others appended to. It seems E-file is ok but a little slower then paper file. Advantage is you can fill it up any time of the night and day and get same days receipt date..