Expert: DebiN - 2/6/2010

Question
I need text messages printed for court. I have the option to print from my phone via bluetooth. I have a wireless printer at work, but my phone will not recognize it. When I forward the messages I lose who they are from and the time and date they were sent. What type of printer do I need to get or is there an adapter? Is this difficult?

Answer
In order for the phone to recognize the printer, the printer has to be put into the pairing mode. It won't recognize it just because it is on. It's just like pairing a headset, you have to first put the printer into the pairing mode (if you don't know how, then ask someone at work or find the manual and look up how to do that) and then have your phone try to discover it. Once it is discovered, you will need to put the password associated with the printer in so that the two are paired. Please keep in mind that even if you pair the two, you still may not be able to print your texts if your phone is not capable of this feature. However, if the printer is just wireless, but not bluetooth enabled, you will not be able to print to it. And lastly, I'm a little surprised that you were told to print out text messages for court. Many courts these days will not accept a text message as evidence. Also, if it helps, the date and time information is on your wireless invoice. That's the only information that is maintained by your carrier. I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN