While Microsoft's first-ever tablet, the Surface RT, has been met with generally positive reviews, some had complained of performance issues in Windows RT. Hoping to alleviate the issues, Microsoft has issued a firmware update for the Surface RT tablet that improves performance, according to numerous reports and anecdotal comments.

Microsoft also released patches for Windows 8, as well as a system firmware update for Surface RT along with Windows RT operating system updates.

After updating its Microsoft Surface RT, tech site The Verge noted, "Compared the system to an unpatched one and noticed improvements in app launch times. On average, apps launched around two seconds faster than before, a noticeable improvement. Unfortunately, the updates don't appear to have adressed an audio stuttering issue with Surface RT. Out of the seven patches, Microsoft also managed to patch two security issues with Windows RT."

"Surface is definitely running smoother...App transitions seem snappier," said a reader commenting on a ZDNet article.

Some of the first customers of the Surface RT have also complained that the Touch Cover for the tablet, sold separately for $100, is splitting where it connects to the tablet, and that the Microsoft logo on the back is starting to rub off.

Fixes listed under a "cumulative update" include performance improvements "when you wake the computer and when the computer is asleep, in order to improve battery life ...  enables enterprise customers to customize the default lock screen." And includes a patch for "an issue that may prevent Windows Store Apps from being installed fully."

Microsoft's Surface RT tablet runs a version of Windows 8 written for ARM processors -- the first time for a mainstream Windows OS to run on the same chips that power Android smartphones and tablets. Apps need to be specially written for Windows RT, which means the first Surface tablet can't completely tap into the same, vast universe of Windows developers that Microsoft commands. Further, it means some initial hiccups were expected.

Windows RT users can obtain all of these fixes through Windows Update, which is available via the Desktop App/environment on Windows RT.

Much of this may have to do with the fact that this first surface runs Windows RT, not Windows 8, and those are two very different beasts. Windows RT is designed for a different chip, not "Intel Inside," and will not be able to run all existing Windows applications.

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.

"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 uses 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.

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.