Anyone Purchase via Amazon.com/ what happens if i don't renew by

Hello - has anyone purchased Norton Internet Security from Amazon.com with satisfaction?

              All i need is the 'product key' for the yearly -renewal

           .I was told that if i purchase 2011 (already have updated to 2012) the product key for the new package would still be viable - that i don't have to spend the difference between 2011 price and 2012 price  just to get a 'key' to continue my subscription.

             Also - if i don't do this by the current expiration -date on my subscription will i still have 'protection' until i find a good price or will the product totally 'shut-down' ?   Many thanks in advance ...