INTEL . . . BLACK AND BLUE

Intel's blues grew darker today after an influential technology consulting firm recommended that its clients hold off on any large purchases of PCs equipped with the company's Pentium chip. The Gartner Group of Stamford, Conn., said clients who buy PCs now with the flawed version of the Pentium might have to replace the chip later. "We want to help our customers save money and not spend money unnecessarily," said Kate Berg, a Gartner spokeswoman. This week has not been a good one for Intel: IBM distanced itself from the Pentium Monday and PC Week said that Intel had underestimated its problems.Post your opinion on theScience & Technologybulletin board.