[To let you all participate in the discussion, I translated this from
http://www.computerchannel.de/softwaretest/tools/squeak30/squeak30_1.phtml]

SIMPLY PROGRAMMING

That "programming is only something for adults" was something that the
open source programming language "Squeak" set out to disprove.  Thus, as a
legitimate successor of Logo it's particularyly aimed at the PCs in
children's rooms. Reality and goal drift somewhat apart, however.

What Squeak really does, is the following: Several tools permits it to
paint on the screen, to make music, or to really program in a
Smalltalk-like language. The Squeak code is implemented in Smalltalk 80.
That is great for every object-oriented thinking "high-end" programmer,
but unfortunately not necessarily for children.

Unfortunately, because a Logo successor for the PC, with which everyone
can write simple and small programs, thereby exploring the secrets of PC
programming, is missing so far. The young programming elite of
tomorrow only can start early with languages such as Visual
Basic or Delphi, which are still too complex for a genuine beginner.

Squeak became known in the last weeks, since the well-known programmer
Alan Kay allegedly changed from Disney to the open source project.

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[Screenshot] Ancient: The development environment of Squeak is
optically nice, but appears oldish and unclear.

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UNSUITED FOR CHILDREN

As an "idea processor for kids of every age" the programming system is
praised by squeakland.org, an official descendant of squeak.org.
Allegedly, the programming language should stimulate the creativity even
of 10-year olds.

What one has to imagine by an idea processor opens a wide field for
speculations. Nearest to reality is the notion of Squeak being an
interactive drawing pad with an integrated little sound studio. When you
program events or execute time-controlled actions (sic!), a first "hello
world" program is finished quickly.

Real tests with the target group (children) as well as with experienced
programmers, however, show a less satisfying picture.  Squeak admittedly
presents itself with a simple and, after a second or third try, intuitive
interface, although this mainly applies to functions like painting or
music. But as soon as it gets to programming itself, not only the
environment appears to be complex and comparatively outdated, but also the
work with Squeak itself confirms this impression.

________________


IMPRESSIVE, BUT HARD TO UNDERSTAND

At www.squeakland.org, the user surely can view and download impressing
programming examples showing all possibilities of the programming
language. This goes from interactive games to serious business
applications. However it needs some time in order to understand the
examples and to comprehend the code as well as programming techniques of
Squeak.

The on-line documentation does not help here, unfortunately. Even in the
web pages the user is looking for assistance or FAQs in vain. If one
considers that children in particular are eager for knowledge, but
also impatient for learning, then this is an expressedly
unfavorable situation.

English-only interfaces and language constructs make learning and working
with the "idea processor" even harder. When even an adult needs some time
in order to grasp the philosophy of the system, it is not necessarily
simpler for the younger generation. Particularly so because there is no
tutorial, on-line learning course or assistance in the software itself.

For children, the target group, Squeak is hardly suitable to enhance
creativity with the PC. Thus we still have to wait for a novice
programming language suitable for children à la Logo.