Don,

The protein powder I used as an example was a generic you can get at Costco made by Cytosport, makers of Muscle Milk. Don't over think some of this as generally speaking you're going to get between 20-30g protein per 2oz serving of most whey powders. Add water (I will also use Coconut water due to the electrolytes) to desired consistency. I like my shakes on the thicker side so I use about 8-10oz of water. If you are shooting this down a tube thin it out with more.

I use Protein 17, which is USDA certified organic and has 30g protein per serving and will give a slightly different calorie read then above and tastes considerably different then the Cytosport as it's not sweet to me. Which is fine because with the Vitamix you will taste more of the blueberries due to how fine it mixes everything.

As far as blenders go, I've used them all really. The Ninja products, The magic Bullet, and a myriad of cheaper blenders which all of broken and burned out due heavy usage. My Vitamix does everything better and I "love" it. I've never thought I'd be the type of guy that would fall in "love" with an appliance, but I have. It's an affair my wife agrees with so I'm good there

Seriously, I didn't know I what I was missing until last year when Brian and I flew to DC and I stayed with Charm and Bev. Charm had the Vitamix and I fell in love with it then and had to get my own. Dude it's awesome.