We get it at this point. You're psyched for Microsoft to release its first-ever stab at a tablet, the Surface, alongside Windows 8 Oct. 26. But we'd be remiss if we didn't let those dripping with techie sweat, and panting from excitement in on a little secret: You're setting yourselves up for disappointment. While the 32GB entry-level Surface RT is sold out, back-ordered for three weeks, analysts across the board seem to agree, user expectations may have been set too high for Microsoft's first tablet.

Reviewers: Microsoft's Surface Tablet Disappoints  

The problem here is that while Microsoft and the rest of the web has been keen to focus on all of the Surface's flash, hardly anyone has mentioned the caveat that the Surface RT doesn't necessarily do all the things that folks may expect it to do. First off, the Surface RT runs Windows RT, not the highly publicized Windows 8. Windows RT is a distinctly different beast entirely. Windows RT is designed for a different chip, not "Intel Inside," and will not be able to run all existing Windows applications.

Microsoft will begin selling its Surface tablet Friday Oct. 26 the same day the company launches Windows 8. The company has spoken volumes on Windows 8's impeccably touch-screen friendly qualities, but users won't even be able to try these flashy features out for themselves on a Microsoft tablet for another three months. Many of the features consumers have been drooling over won't be available with the Surface RT. They will only be available on the more expensive Pro model to be released in 2013.

Windows RT is designed to run with the types of ARM-based processors used on other tablets and smartphones. Apps need to be specially written for Windows RT, which means the first Surface tablet will not be able to completely tap into the same, vast universe of Windows developers that Microsoft commands.

"Consumers will expect something that it doesn't really deliver," Sarah Rotman Epps, an analyst with Forrester Research, said in an interview.

The Windows RT tablet represents the first major break in the company's long partnership with chip company Intel Corp. The device will use an Nvidia Corp processor that is based on designs licensed from ARM Holdings PLC.

The main software with the Surface and Window RT is called "Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT Preview" that includes a version of the Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote programs. The next version of the tablet, called Surface with Windows 8 Pro, will have an Intel chip and will run Windows 7 applications, just as most standard PCs.

"My view is that Windows RT is not really going to be satisfying to consumers," said Rotman Epps.

The Pro version of the Surface may get a better reception than RT, but the Intel version doesn't even use its lower-power-consuming chips that Intel itself would have recommended, according to Rotman Epps.

"All they [Intel] said is that Microsoft didn't consult with them about that choice," she said.

Microsoft is using an Intel Core i5 processor, which is found in many laptops and PCs but is not designed for light devices like tablets and Ultrabooks, which may prove to be a battery hog.

Distribution of the Surface is another big factor affecting its success. Microsoft plans to only initially sell the Surface on its website, and in its own retail stores. And right now, that's a limited market when compared to a company like Apple's stores. Microsoft only has roughly 27 retail stores across 14 states in the U.S. right now.

With Apple widely expected to unveil its iPad Mini at an event Oct. 23, and Google and Samsung rumored to debut its new Nexus 10 tablet Oct. 29,  If the Surface RT isn't quite what users are expecting, we could see Surface tablets returned en mass, which could spell disaster the launch of Microsoft's first tablet and Windows 8 operating system. 

Microsoft Surface tablet features

The RT sports a 1366x768 HD screen, while the PRO has a 10.6-inch Clear type Full HD (1920 x 1080) screen with 16:9 widescreen.

That means they are among the biggest tablets in the market. If you are not satisfied with the typical 10.1-inch tablet, you can go for the Surface tablet. Along with the touch keyboards with the device, you can turn the machine to a small notebook.

The Surface tablet comes with five Touch Covers. Different from typical keyboards, the Surface keypads provide a smoother typing experience thanks to their touch-based surface.

The Surface tablets mount both front and rear cameras. The front camera, named life cam by Microsoft, makes the tablet ideal for video chatting through Skype or other services. Using the rear camera, you can capture images and video clips.

Microsoft puts forward better memory options with the Surface tablets. The device comes in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB options. The 128GB is available only with Surface Pro. Further, you can expand the memory using external memory sticks thanks to microSD card slot. That is, you can store enough data including music, software items and video in external clips.

The 3mm Touch Cover can be connected to your Surface tablet with a single magnetic click, so, now you can type text and send messages quite easily.

The Surface's tablet housing features a revolutionary kickstand. Along with fully functioning keyboard and track-pad, the integrated kickstand helps you place the gadget in both portrait or landscape modes.

According to Bloomberg, Surface will only be able to go online using a short-range Wi-Fi connection. This is a stark contrast to Apple's iPad 3, which has a 3G option, and a faster LTE connection.