I'm nostalgic for the old 8-bit BASIC too, but primarily because you could switch the thing on and the interpreter was in ROM and ready to go a few seconds after powering on.
(http://geoffg.net/maximite.html)
> The Colour Maximite is a small and versatile single chip computer running a full featured BASIC interpreter with 128K of working memory and eight colours on a VGA monitor.
> It will work with a standard PC keyboard and because the Maximite has its own built in SD memory card and BASIC language you need nothing more to start writing and running BASIC programs.
> The Colour Maximite also has 40 input/output lines including an Arduino compatible connector. These I/Os can be independently configured as analog inputs, digital inputs or digital outputs. You can measure voltage, frequencies, detect switch closure, etc and respond by turning on lights, closing relays, etc - all under control of your BASIC program.
The immediacy is something lacking in current IDEs and ease of start. Turn on, type, and something happens.
I'm still hopeful I'll see an under $200 programmable computing device sold somewhere. Perhaps if OLPC is actually serious about selling at Walmart[1], it will happen.
1) http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/08/olpc-xo-tablet-walmart/