is the xbox elite backwards compatible

Xbox 360 backwards compatibility help?!!?

I want to buy an Xbox 360, but I have no computer hookup in my room & a router is out of the question.
Problem is – I have an xbox game that is backward compatible, but in order to play it, I need to have the hard drive.
So, either I can buy the core system & then the drive put can I still play without an internet or ethernet connection or whatever it is I need that I don’t have?!
So confusing!
If I get the elite system & I don’t have an internet hookup, will I not be able to use it?
Basically, I want to be able to play my xbox game which I KNOW is backwards compatible, but I also need a hard drive & how can I use the hard drive if I don’t have any internet connection?
Is there another way for me to play this game & if so, how?

Well if you have access to another computer then you can go to the website below and burn a disk. If that is out of the question then you can always order a disk by mail (also in the website below) but you will be charged.