What do you guys suggest works best :)?
And approx how long before or after a workout should you be taking them?

Typically take it right after your workout. Of course read the label for thier recommendations on when to take it.

Both. Split it.

I've seen some studies are now coming out that show that even fueling DURING the workout is more effective than just immediately post.

I sip 1/2 of my workout nutrition during, 1/2 after. I've noticed a difference when I don't do this now that I'm used to it. I run out of energy faster. My shakes include whey, maltodextrin/dextrose, and some BCAAs.

Conventionally, most people drink their workout shake after. If I had to pick before or after, I'd make sure I'd eaten about an hour before, then drink whey afterwards.

Protein shake?

Whenever. It's just to get in more total protein, which can benefit your recover and building muscle. That process takes place over 24 hours. There is some myth going around that you somehow build muscle immediately after a workout, not sure where that notion was started but it's simply not true. So if you have a shake, take it whenever it's convenient.

If you're looking to maximize your results post-workout, your body is more in need of a mix of carbohydrate and protein than protein by itself.

Jeremy

Yes, I second what Jeremy said. Any good post-workout shake will have some sort of fast acting carbohydrate in it. The theory says that after a hard workout, your muscles are starving for carbohydrates, and when you drink them immediately following lifting, the carbs will go right to the muscles for needed fuel, and won't linger around in your bloodstream. I've actually heard of many bodybuilders not even counting their PWO shake carbs into their calories for the day, because the muscle uses it, with little left as fuel for the rest of the body.

As to protein, muscle repair occurs over roughly 48 hours following a workout. It is during this period that you want to make sure that you have adequate protein in your system (to maintain a positive nitrogen balance). Thus, ingesting protein immediately after your workout isn't as important as making sure that you've been eating enough protein for the hours before your workout, and the 48 hours after. So don't worry if you can't get to a nice steak or piece of chicken for an hour or two after lifting.