A self configuring multiple element portable electronic device (100) and method is provided. The device comprises at least a first electronic element (104) and a second electronic element (106) and a joint (112) connecting the first electronic element and the second electronic element, with the joint allowing movement in more than one plane of the first electronic element in relation to the second electronic element, wherein the self configuring multiple element portable electronic device is capable of self configuring an operational mode based on a relative position of the first electronic element with respect to the second electronic element. The method comprises the steps of detecting a relative position of the first electronic element relative to the second electronic element, and selecting an operational mode of the device based on the relative position. A keyboard having a plurality of keys has a first at least some of the keys active in a first mode of operation and in a second mode of operation a different set of keys, which are at least some of the first at least some of the keys are active.