Hmm, I worry that my computer won't be able to handle it.
That being said, a valid concern since Warband is a struggle and needs to run in DirectX7 to be playable.
Looking kind of nice though, which is good.
On the map issue, I too didn't really like Warband's at first, but it grew on me. The colours of each kingdom however, did not.
Nords will always be yellow to me, and the Vaegirs green. God, who though cream was a good colour for them when set against the snow!? You can barely see them!