EEA PR and Citizenship - Earliest application dates

[giorgosa]

Hello,
Similar question, any help appreciated.

I have EEA1 and I work in the U.K. since jan-13. I know that I can apply for PR.

My wife has EEA2, joined me in the U.K. in Nov-13 but previously visited me with EEA FP.

When should we apply for PR? As I have 5 years, can she also apply or she needs 5 years ? What is the maximum that she could be out of the U.K. so that we could maybe include her (lengthy) visits with EEA FPs?
Thanks

[secret.simon]

I have split your question from the earlier thread so that it can be answered on its own, as your circumstance and that of the OP of the other thread are quire different.