I drive all day and have stopped short a few times without disaster for my NFs. I think I instinctively reach out to stop her from coming off the seat....LOL. It's just like that Seinfeld "Ooohh.....I stopped short!".
Anyways, back to the question. To me they are really different bags, the big open tote vs the structured classic Speedy. What is your lifestyle like? I love my NFs, I carry quite a bit, like to be able to easily see and get to my things really easy, I often need to throw in some larger items for work like clipboards, charts, my tablet, water etc., I don't mind the kind of ever evolving shape of the Neverfull.....even when you cinch it, it kind of shifts shape throughout the day. If you keep it cinched most of the time though, that will be the kind of shape it tends to take on for the most part. To me, it is just a much more casual bag, though especially when cinched, it can look more formal, but not as formal as a Speedy.
I think the Empreinte Speedy is really pretty. But it is not a bag I have, or really want or need right now. I think either bag is lovely, so maybe think about what your needs are more immediately. What kind of job do you have, are you in school, have kids, need to carry a bunch of junk around? If so go for the NF and get the Speedy later. Otherwise, get your Speedy, the NF will be around for a long time to come if you decide you want it in the future.
As far as problems with either bag, try not to worry about it. People do post probs with both bags.....I have seen the posts about the DE NF cracking handles, but I have also seen posts about handles cracking on Speedys. If you are unfortunate and have a problem with either bag you will just have to work it out with LV, and there are many knowledgable people on here to help guide you if you need it.
Let us know what you decide!
