I had an identity scare last year and ordered the free reports. I also paid a service approximately $30 to obtain reports from the 3 major credit bureaus. The free reports were much less complete and slightly less current than the reports I paid for (no errors on either, though). Also, if you pay for the reports you will get them by emailed the same day. I can't remember how long it took to get the free ones.
I like the idea of the free reports as an annual check up, but if you have an urgent need for the most accurate, complete, up to date info, you will have to pay for it.