If you want to stick with BASIC even on the 8051 try BASCOM-LT by MCS Electronics.

The best thing to get along with a 8051 for fast and easy and not too complex programs.
Demo is free and works well.
Registration fee $49 (Try Dontronics)

It features many built in functions
that would neeed quite a bit of typing in C and supports many 8051 dreivatives.


Good luck

Jan