I love my elite, (it even looks better), but if you are worried about wireless, you can hook up a laptop or pc with a wireless card to the the 360 (any version) and get it that way after some fenangling. It's easier to do with XP, but possible with Vista, i just dont know how.

Install Windows Xp pro and Service Pack 2 with all other updates.
2. Install Ethernet card (if necessary)
3. Install router (if necessary)
4. Plug in crossover cable to Ethernet port in pc and to Xbox.
5. go to START>CONNECT TO>SHOW ALL CONNECTIONS (Can also be found in my computer>my network places> view network connections
6. right Click on wireless network connection and click on properties
7. Click on advanced tab
8. Check the box next to " Allow other network users to connect through this computer's internet connection" then click OK.
9. Check the box to allow other devices to send info to computer, (I'm not sure if this is needed, but I hear it the connection is faster this way).
10. Click OK
11. Turn on xbox go into the internet settings and make sure it gets an Ip and subnet mask automatically

I'm pretty sure this is all I did, if it doesn't work, you can send me a message. Granted this means you have to turn your laptop on, and keep it on, everytime you want to play online, but its cheap, and I cant tell a difference in my connection speed.