monthly summary · January 2024
2024-01 summary
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Overview
January 2024 centers on a laptop decision. Daniel bought an 8GB M3 MacBook Pro on Christmas Day, found it too limited for multitasking and Windows gaming, returned it for a refund, and kept an ASUS ROG Flow X13 bought in Thailand.
Comparison videos found the MacBook ahead on build, display, battery, quietness and some browser benchmarks, while the Flow X13 led on multi-core and export speed, price, portability and Windows game support, and Daniel recommended it. Later in the month he regretted the Flow X13 over fan noise, heat and weight and considered selling it for an iPad Pro.
Palworld recurs throughout the month. Daniel was addicted to it, built mining bases, made guides on early mounts and Pals, and gave a critical 6.2 out of 10 review without a recommendation. A tips recording covers automation, capture, breeding, traversal, guard penalties, bosses, raids and upgrades.
Daniel posted frequent critical reviews of games and devices. Enshrouded and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown each got 6.2 out of 10 and no recommendation, Tekken 8 drew criticism, and he decided against buying or recommending the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
On finances, Daniel lives in Thailand on a student visa from savings and investment returns, tracked monthly costs of about £500 to £600, and settled a large tax bill through asset sales, a family loan and a new credit card.
Daniel described social isolation and feeling behind his peers at nearly 35, and discussed restructuring his YouTube presence, including a Thailand-focused channel and plans to return to Japan.
A stream included allegations about past conduct by Anna Larson and Boyinaband; these are repeated claims, not established facts.
Source recordings (1)
Themes
M3 MacBook Pro versus ASUS ROG Flow X13: memory limits, benchmarks, form factor, gaming support and returns, plus the Flow X13 as an alternative to handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED and ROG Ally.
Source recordings (6)
- DO NOT BUY M3 MacBook Pro 14 inch - Very disappointing
- Pick ASUS ROG Flow X13 Instead of Steam Deck OLED： Here's Why
- M3 Macbook Pro Vs Windows Gaming Laptop (Asus ROG Flow x13)
- Asus ROG Flow X13 Review - Best Compact Gaming Laptop？
- THIS is why the Asus ROG Flow X13 DESTROYS the Steam Deck OLED!
- I don’t like the new M3 MacBook Pro, buy this instead
Palworld mechanics: early Pals and mounts, mining bases, Pal labor specialization, breeding stations and cakes, stamina-limited traversal, wanted status, dungeon bosses, camp raids and church upgrades.
Source recordings (5)
- Palworld - 10 Of The Best EARLY PALS YOU Should Get (Palworld Tips & Tricks)
- i'm addicted to Palworld...
- PALWORLD - Avoid these MASSIVE MISTAKES! ｜ Best EARLY Game Tips & Tricks!
- Amazing Mining Base Location with Ore and Coal - Palworld Guide
- PALWORLD - How to Get Fastest Mounts! All The Best EARLY GAME Mounts
Reviews of Tekken 8, Enshrouded, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the ROG Phone 8 Pro.
Taxes, savings, investments, Revolut and credit card arrangements, and Bangkok living costs for rent, utilities, food and travel.
Personal reflections on friendlessness, aging and identity; YouTube channel strategy, detractors, and personal history including marriage and divorce paperwork in Japan.
Developments
Daniel bought an 8GB M3 MacBook Pro on Christmas Day because the 16GB model was out of stock until January (recounted in early January 2024 recordings; the purchase date itself is not independently verified).
After the 1 January 2024 Ishikawa earthquake, Daniel confirmed he was safe in Thailand and intended to keep his planned March 2024 Japan visit; he also recounted New Year's Eve at Central World in Bangkok.
Source recordings (1)
After about a week of memory pressure, swap use and a Total War: Warhammer 2 crash, Daniel returned the MacBook Pro to the Apple Store for a refund.
Daniel inspected the ASUS ROG Flow X13 in a Thai shop and bought it with a 10% New Year discount, 54,000 baht instead of 60,000.
After about a week with the Flow X13, Daniel kept it, tested games at roughly 50 to 60 FPS, and scored it 6.2 out of 10 with a high recommendation.
Source recordings (1)
Daniel paid an outstanding tax bill of about £14,700 using viewer support, stock sales and a £7,000 loan from his mother, got a £6,000 credit card, and booked travel to Japan and a June return to the UK.
Source recordings (1)
In a stream recorded 20 January 2024, Daniel discussed making old channel videos members-only and starting a positive Thailand-focused channel, Abroad in Thailand.
Source recordings (1)
Daniel uninstalled Palworld, reinstalled it the next day, reached level 27, hatched a Reluxaurus and set up a second ore-mining base. In a separate review he gave the early access game 6.2 out of 10, did not recommend it, and cited bugs, lag, rubber banding and disconnects.
Source recordings (2)
On a later multi-day trip to Kanchanaburi, Daniel said he regretted buying the Flow X13 because of fan noise, heat and weight, and considered selling it for an iPad Pro.
Source recordings (1)
Daniel was disappointed by the Tekken 8 demo, later uninstalled the full game in anger and reinstalled it on the day of recording, then criticized juggle combos and matchmaking.
Source recordings (2)
In a Palworld early-game tips recording (catalog date 2024-01-23), Daniel captured a Pal, angered NPCs and was chased by level 30 guards, bred a black cat Pal, lost then won a penguin dungeon boss fight with Lifmunk, freed a caged Pal from a camp, and raised Lifmunk's attack at a church.
Source recordings (1)
Uncertainties & gaps
In early January Daniel was undecided whether to keep the MacBook or the Flow X13 and how to sell the ASUS laptop before moving to Japan. It was unclear whether the MacBook refund would be unaffected by exchange rates.
Whether the tax authority will impose a separate 50% or 70% penalty, and whether an expected £1,500 adjustment for 2019 will arrive as cash or account credit, is unknown.
Source recordings (1)
Whether the full Tekken 8 release would justify purchase was undetermined, and the causes of its long loading and matchmaking times were unknown.
Several Palworld details are unconfirmed: whether better mounts exist later, whether Broncherry can be mounted, level 6 as the earliest mounting level, level 50 as the player maximum, whether difficulty settings can disable death inventory drops, and whether other churches offer upgrades beyond capture power.
Whether Anna Larson reported Daniel to Japanese authorities, and whether public allegations against Andrew Tate are accurate, was left uncertain.
Source recordings (1)
Daniel's ex-wife's safety after the earthquake was an unverified assumption, and he had an unresolved feeling that something bad would happen in 2024.
Source recordings (1)
Daniel's direction was unclear, including whether he would stay stuck in his current lifestyle and whether audience interest would hold if content shifted from Thailand to Japan.
Explore this period
- Recording · January 2024
M3 Macbook Pro Vs Windows Gaming Laptop (Asus ROG Flow x13)
Daniel compares an Apple M3 MacBook Pro with 8GB RAM against an ASUS Flow X13 with 16GB RAM, an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS CPU, and an RTX 4050 GPU, both priced around $1,700. Benchmark testing reveals the MacBook leading in web browsing and slight
- Recording · January 2024
[2024-01-02] The earthquake that hit Japan and my situation [08Jd1zKhgvA]
Following a magnitude 7.6 earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture on the first day of 2024, Daniel confirms being safe in Thailand, assumes his ex-wife in Osaka is safe, and intends to proceed with a planned March 2024 visit to Japan despite seis
- Recording · January 2024
Why i Regret buying the Asus ROG Flow X13...
Daniel evaluated the ASUS Flow X13 laptop during a trip to Kanchanaburi and regrets the purchase due to excessive fan noise, high heat, and heavy weight relative to dedicated tablets. Because Daniel engaged in no PC gaming or intensive work
- Recording · January 2024
Why i identify as a WHITE person [avlBVdjU4B4]
Daniel, born, raised, and educated in the English countryside with an English father, identifies culturally and nationally as English while acknowledging mixed Caucasian and Asian heritage, yet faces public denial of this identity due to ph
- Recording · January 2024
DO NOT BUY Palworld - very disappointing
Daniel evaluated Palworld, characterizing it as an uninspiring and empty mix of Pokémon and survival games lacking a storyline, quest hubs, or narrative drive, despite functioning as a rare multiplayer substitute for an online Pokémon game.
- Recording · January 2024
Unboxing my BRAND NEW Asus Flow X13
Daniel acquired a ROG Flow X13 laptop in Thailand after inspecting it in a shop, selecting it over larger Asus models and returning a previously bought MacBook. The laptop was selected for its price, hardware specifications, gaming capabili
- Recording · January 2024
DO NOT BUY Enshrouded
Daniel evaluated the early access game Enshrouded, awarding it a 6.2 out of 10 score and declining to recommend it due to shortcomings in its RPG, combat, crafting, and building elements. The game's opening features a lack of starting equip
- Recording · January 2024
why i HATE Tekken 8
Tekken 8 caused extreme frustration due to opponents executing rapid launchers and extended juggle combos that eliminate movement for entire rounds, leading to a temporary uninstallation and reinstallation to practice more. Lounge and pract
- Recording · January 2024
DO NOT BUY Samsung S24 ULTRA - Very Disapponting...
Daniel reviews the newly announced Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, criticizing its incremental hardware updates, uninspiring AI features, and high cost before deciding against purchasing or recommending it. The S24 Ultra features hardware changes
- Recording · January 2024
THIS is why the Asus ROG Flow X13 DESTROYS the Steam Deck OLED!
Daniel plays Diablo 4 on the ROG Flow X13, highlighting the improved visual quality and performance over handhelds like the ROG Ally and Steam Deck while running a Tier 63 Nightmare Dungeon. Daniel tests Red Dead Redemption 2 on the laptop,
- Recording · January 2024
PALWORLD - Avoid these MASSIVE MISTAKES! ｜ Best EARLY Game Tips & Tricks!
Beginner gameplay strategies in Palworld encompass base automation, Pal capturing, settlement economies, and breeding mechanics. Catching weakened Pals accelerates experience gain and unlocks technology tree options. Pal labor assignments r
- Recording · January 2024
Palworld - 10 Of The Best EARLY PALS YOU Should Get (Palworld Tips & Tricks)
Daniel details early-game Pals in Palworld, covering practical options for combat, base production, and mounts. Daniel remains uncertain about cooking raw meat found on the ground and questions Robinquill's usefulness following its quick de
- Recording · January 2024
I don’t like the new M3 MacBook Pro, buy this instead
Daniel prefers the ASUS ROG Flow X13 convertible laptop over the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro due to its gaming capabilities, superior hardware specifications, lower price, and travel-friendly form factor. While the MacBook Pro provides superior
- Recording · January 2024
Amazing Mining Base Location with Ore and Coal - Palworld Guide
Daniel establishes a mountaintop mining base at coordinates 192, -35, which offers eight ore mines, six coal mines, trees, and natural immunity to enemy raids. Daniel relocates from an older site by dismantling it and setting up infrastruct
- Recording · January 2024
DO NOT BUY ROG Phone 8 Pro
The ASUS ROG Phone Pro 8 offers high-end specifications including a Snapdragon Gen 3 chip and 24GB of RAM at an estimated price around $1,200, alongside a shift to a more conventional design, full waterproofing, and a 50-megapixel camera, b
- Recording · January 2024
I wasted my 20s... [QioxX6C1Gnk]
Approaching age 35, Daniel feels far behind his peers and regards his twenties as largely wasted, having accumulated no property, career, trade skills, or vehicles after spending years traveling to Japan without studying or working. While p
- Recording · January 2024
how i make Money online living in Thailand
Daniel lives in Thailand on a student visa and sustains himself without working legally through returns on high-interest savings and investments. Daniel generates £8,000 to £10,000 annually by placing a five-figure inheritance and life insu
- Recording · January 2024
Asus ROG Flow X13 Review - Best Compact Gaming Laptop？
Daniel evaluated the ASUS ROG Flow X13 convertible gaming laptop after approximately one week of use, having returned an M3 MacBook Pro 14 to keep the Flow X13. The ASUS ROG Flow X13 features a 1.1 kg chassis, a 13.4-inch screen, an AMD Ryz
- Recording · January 2024
how much i spend in a month living in Bangkok
Daniel tracks monthly living expenses in Thailand using a spreadsheet covering rent, utilities, food, and travel, finding that living comfortably costs around £500 to £600 per month, far less than equivalent living in the UK. Food spending
- Recording · January 2024
[2024-01-20] why i'm deleting EVERYTHING on my youtube channel [nz7JBtlSjd8]
Daniel initiated a stream discussing plans to convert old channel videos to members-only access for $3 a month to protect personal reputation and conceal past negative content from viewers of a growing new Thailand-focused channel, Abroad i
- Recording · January 2024
THIS is why the MSI CLAW DESTROYS the Steam Deck OLED!
MSI is entering the handheld gaming market with the MSI Claw, featuring Intel Ultra Core 5 and 7 processors with integrated Arc graphics to compete against AMD-based devices such as the Steam Deck. The MSI Claw includes advanced hardware fe
- Recording · January 2024
DO NOT BUY M3 MacBook Pro 14 inch - Very disappointing
Daniel used an 8GB base model M3 MacBook Pro for approximately one week, experiencing heavy memory pressure, swap reliance, and crashes during multitasking and gaming, which led to returning the device. Apple utilizes an aggressive upsell p
- Recording · January 2024
Thankyou for everything. [pzu0lA1MQL4]
Daniel settled an outstanding tax bill after paying roughly £14,700 using viewer support, stock sales, and a £7,000 loan from his mother. Daniel set advance payments for 2023–2024 to zero based on residence in Thailand and low earnings, pen
- Recording · January 2024
THIS is why the Asus ROG Flow X13 DESTROYS the ROG ALLY!
Daniel switched from the ROG Ally to the ASUS ROG Flow X13, valuing its greater power, versatility, and larger display despite its $1,700 price tag. The ASUS ROG Flow X13 includes a 13.4-inch display operating at 60Hz or 165Hz with around 5
- Recording · January 2024
Pick M3 MacBook Pro Instead of Steam Deck OLED： Here's Why
The M3 MacBook Pro serves as a superior portable gaming machine relative to the Steam Deck OLED due to its larger screen, integrated keyboard, performance, and general versatility, despite costing roughly $1,000 more. Gaming tests indicate
- Recording · January 2024
Why I have no Friends in Thailand
Living in Thailand for over a year without making friends, Daniel attributes the circumstance to social awkwardness and solitary hobbies like maintaining a fish tank, gaming, stock investing, and producing YouTube videos, despite wanting co
- Recording · January 2024
Windows User Switches to MacOS
Daniel evaluated his transition to macOS on a new MacBook Pro M3 after using Windows for most of his life. Daniel found macOS sleep and resume features reliable compared to Windows, but criticized macOS window management, dock behavior, ful
- Recording · January 2024
Why i returned my M3 Macbook Pro
Daniel returned an 8GB M3 MacBook Pro to the Apple Store for a refund and transitioned to an ASUS Flow X13 with an RTX 4050 as his primary machine due to game availability needed for his work and multitasking slowdowns. Daniel purchased the
- Recording · January 2024
Why i Regret buying TEKKEN 8 - Very Disappointing...
Daniel experiences frustration while navigating menus and accessing audio and graphics settings in Tekken 8, alongside facing extended procedures and repeated confirmations for online matchmaking. Online matchmaking presents difficulties in
- Recording · January 2024
Pick ASUS ROG Flow X13 Instead of Steam Deck OLED： Here's Why
The ROG Flow X13 convertible laptop functions as an alternative to handheld gaming systems like the Steam Deck OLED and ROG Ally, featuring a 13.4-inch 165Hz touchscreen, an RTX 4050 GPU, an AMD Ryzen R9 7940HS processor, and multiple conve
- Recording · January 2024
i'm addicted to Palworld...
Daniel initially found the newly released game Palworld uninteresting and uninstalled it, but reinstalled it the following day, reaching level 27 and regarding it as one of the best games played in years and an unhyped surprise hit. Palworl
- Recording · January 2024
DO NOT BUY TEKKEN 8 - VERY disappointing
Daniel expresses significant disappointment with the Tekken 8 demo, viewing it as bland, lacking challenge, and hindered by unskippable cutscenes relative to rivals Street Fighter 6 and Mortal Kombat 1. Daniel hesitates over whether to purc
- Recording · January 2024
PALWORLD - How to Get Fastest Mounts! All The Best EARLY GAME Mounts
Early-game mounts in Palworld present distinct mobility and utility advantages, encompassing swift land sprinters, jumping mounts, flying options, glider alternatives, and mining aids. Specific early mounts feature specialized abilities, su
- Recording · January 2024
DO NOT BUY Prince of Persia： The Lost Crown
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is viewed by Daniel as bland, uninspired, lacking difficulty and depth compared to the original PC DOS game, and feeling like a mobile title rated 6.2 out of 10. Unlike the original game's difficult platform