A 200 will use the Cards, or you can put designs onto a thumb drive although I believe it needs to be a Bernina one and lucky you - you got the CD drive which I believe was extra so you can also import designs that way. So basically you have the best of both worlds. In regards to the USB I think you can use some other ones, the issue is that most machines can only take up to a 2G stick which you really can't find anymore and I think there was only 1 brand that could be used due to some of the software that comes on the sticks. However more than likely there will also be a Bernina USB with it.
I have a friend who just bought one and as soon as she gets some time we are going to work together. I have a 730 and they are very similar. P.S. If your local dealer turns out not to be very forthcoming with you do you have another not too far away? If so it might be worth going a little further and cultivating that.