A portable computer configurable between plurality of display modes including a laptop mode, a frame mode, and an easel mode, the portable computer comprising: a display component including a display screen configured to display content; a base comprising an integrated keyboard; a mode sensor comprising an accelerometer configured to detect a current display mode among the plurality of display modes of the portable computer; and a hinge assembly configured to rotatably couple the display component to the base; wherein the hinge assembly is configured to permit rotation of the display component and/or the base about a single axis to configure the portable computer between the laptop mode and the easel mode, and wherein the single axis is a longitudinal axis running along an interface between the display component and the base; and wherein the display component is rotatable about the longitudinal axis; the portable computer further comprising: a navigation hardware accessible in each of the plurality of display modes, the navigation hardware configured to permit a user to control at least one of operating parameters of the portable computer and the content displayed on the display screen; and a first navigation button (166; 168) disposed on one of the base and the display component, wherein the first navigation button is configured to change an action associated with the navigation hardware, wherein the action is changed according to the detected display mode; wherein in the easel mode, the display component and the base are configured relative to one another such that the display screen and the keyboard face away from each other, with the display screen oriented toward the operator of the portable computer and the keyboard oriented away from the operator of the portable computer; and wherein in the frame mode, the display screen is disposed at an angle beyond approximately 180 degrees, measured about the longitudinal axis, relative to the base, and wherein the display screen is oriented towards the operator, the base contacts a surface, and the keyboard is directed towards the surface. a display component including a display screen configured to display content; a base comprising an integrated keyboard; a mode sensor comprising an accelerometer configured to detect a current display mode among the plurality of display modes of the portable computer; and a hinge assembly configured to rotatably couple the display component to the base; wherein the hinge assembly is configured to permit rotation of the display component and/or the base about a single axis to configure the portable computer between the laptop mode and the easel mode, and wherein the single axis is a longitudinal axis running along an interface between the display component and the base; and wherein the display component is rotatable about the longitudinal axis; the portable computer further comprising: a navigation hardware accessible in each of the plurality of display modes, the navigation hardware configured to permit a user to control at least one of operating parameters of the portable computer and the content displayed on the display screen; and a first navigation button (166; 168) disposed on one of the base and the display component, wherein the first navigation button is configured to change an action associated with the navigation hardware, wherein the action is changed according to the detected display mode; wherein in the easel mode, the display component and the base are configured relative to one another such that the display screen and the keyboard face away from each other, with the display screen oriented toward the operator of the portable computer and the keyboard oriented away from the operator of the portable computer; and wherein in the frame mode, the display screen is disposed at an angle beyond approximately 180 degrees, measured about the longitudinal axis, relative to the base, and wherein the display screen is oriented towards the operator, the base contacts a surface, and the keyboard is directed towards the surface. a navigation hardware accessible in each of the plurality of display modes, the navigation hardware configured to permit a user to control at least one of operating parameters of the portable computer and the content displayed on the display screen; and a first navigation button (166; 168) disposed on one of the base and the display component, wherein the first navigation button is configured to change an action associated with the navigation hardware, wherein the action is changed according to the detected display mode; wherein in the easel mode, the display component and the base are configured relative to one another such that the display screen and the keyboard face away from each other, with the display screen oriented toward the operator of the portable computer and the keyboard oriented away from the operator of the portable computer; and wherein in the frame mode, the display screen is disposed at an angle beyond approximately 180 degrees, measured about the longitudinal axis, relative to the base, and wherein the display screen is oriented towards the operator, the base contacts a surface, and the keyboard is directed towards the surface.