The easiest way to transfer files would be a PCMCIA CF card reader with compatible CF card. Storage is plenty and you can easily exceed the storage capacity of a CD.
If you really need to add CD drive, connect it directly to the A1200 so you avoid slow serial or parallel transfers. I would use
this adapter, cut off the power connector, and install it on the IDE connector on the motherboard. Place a stock 40 pins IDE cable on it, and you can connect your CD drive to the chain. All you need to do now is hooking up some power.
