Like cray just said, the processor is the problem with the speed issue. The puck will only get you a little bit more accuracy which does help in the mapping department. Again, make sure you've downloaded the update for the unit for the best use. I don't worry much about the slow response. It's not enough to break the bank or worry me about navigating. I just know that it is slow and I need to slow down to get the best results.

Back to your question about recording. Yes, you can use an empty micro - SD card in the card slot, which most use for Navionics or Lakemaster cards, and using the menu button, on the screen select Record. It will store the data from the down imaging and regular sonar. Every so often, you will have to start a new recording. When you are done for the day, you can take the card inside to your computer and download it using the Insight Genesis software. When you're done, it will tell you that it will compile the data and send you an email when it's done. Usually an hour or two, could be over night, you can view it. There's a lot more detail than what little I described but it is all fairly easy to do.