Dell Computer Down 2.5% as Sector Falters

Dell Computer

(DELL) - Get Report

was down 2.5% in early afternoon as computer makers headed broadly lower. Dell, which opened higher, had risen for seven straight sessions.

Among other computer stocks,

Compaq

(CPQ)

was down 3.7% and

Gateway

(GTW)

was off 4.2%. The

Philadelphia Stock Exchange Box Maker Index

(BMX)

was down 1.2%.

IBM

(IBM) - Get Report

was up 1.5%.