I applied for Online -EAD renewal.. process is fairly straight forward..
1. Go online ,fill up the form and pay fees..you get the confirmation right away.
2. Call National service center to make appointment for finger printing and photo...(if you are in chicago...and happen to live in northwest side and if you select norridge IL center..they don't have machine to take FP or photo, they will send you to some other location in chicago...so make sure you call them to find the status.....and go early.and also schedule on sat. no rush, it will be over in 5 mins.
3. you will get the confirmation in a week(same one you got online, except it will be GREEN color notice of action.
4. Only good thing about online filing is you can check status online...
I like this onilne process ..very easy, anytime you can do it from anywhere(make sure you don't make mistake filling forms)
Hope this helps...