A portable information handling system having a portable housing with first and second housing portions rotationally coupled by a hinge having an adjustable torque and a sensor disposed at a front corner of a housing portion reduces torque provided by the hinge when in a closed position and an indication is sensed of an end user opening the housing portions. Reducing torque of the hinge that resists housing rotation from the closed position aids an end user in a single handed rotation of the housing to an open position by allowing the weight of the housing to be sufficient to hold the housing in place on a support surface while the housing rotates open.