The Artista is very fancy, all kinds of stitches and buttonholes. It has a wider zigzag and I don't known a fraction of the software options on it; emboridery and all. I think you are right about the 730, 731 732, practically the same machine, same buttonholer function. I have noticed some of the older models are made to be more portable, smaller and a bit lighter like the 700. The 700 series are very forgiving when it comes to thread and tension, very little fuss and the neatest stitching.