According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a main body, a touch pad which is provided on the main body, a determination unit which determines whether an external pointing device is connected to the main body, and a control unit which controls the touch pad in one of a first mode for making the touch pad function as a pointing device and a second mode in which in response to tapping of one of a plurality of virtual buttons disposed on a surface of the touch pad, a function which is assigned to the tapped virtual button is activated, the control unit controlling the touch pad in the second mode if the external pointing device is connected to the main body.