The primary differences are--770 uses flash drive to transfer designs from computer to machine and has a 5x7" hoop--which, if your 'names' are to be written from the built-in fonts, would probably handle most all. The other 3 machines you mention..of course the 540d has built in Disney designs. All three support a 4x4 hoop and some names from the built-in fonts will be difficult to fit in. For monograms, and small designs the hoop size is fine. (I use my 4x4 a lot). The 3 machines connect to computer for transfer of designs. Brother machines are VERY user friendly--I have 3 and a Babylock (which is basically a Brother machine) and I love all mine. Any of the Brother 4" hoop machines would be a great starter..one day you might want a lgr hoop. My machines go up to 12" but I use my 5x7 and 4x4 most all the time. The biggest plus of them all is the flash drive PE770--I would not like being connected to my computer. It is a preference that might not matter to you if you use a laptop.