According to Gizmodo, some 27-inch iMac owners are getting 15% refunds for the problems they're having with the displays. Numerous users have reported problems from flickering to a persistent yellow discoloration on at least a portion of the screen. Now, some of the most determined of them have received cash back.

At first Apple didn't acknowledge any problems with the new iMacs, but on December 21 they released a graphics firmware update to address the issue. Unfortunately this didn't resolve the problem for many users, and earlier this week Apple released a display firmware update. Hardmac reported last month that Apple had halted production on the 27” iMac because of the problems, and shipment times were pushed back to three weeks in late January.

Gizmodo also released a document purported to be from Apple labeled “Apple Internal Use Only – Confidential Information” telling support reps who get customers complaining about the yellowing, “Do not attempt a repair or replacement at this time. Explain that slight color variability is normal for LCD displays and in general does not warrant replacement. Customers who are concerned that their iMac has a yellow tint issue, and who provide contact information, will be contacted by Apple in approximately 3 weeks to arrange a LCD panel replacement.”

It's too early to tell if the new display firmware update will fix the problem. But if it was that easy, it seems unlikely they would be making arrangements to replace LCD panels.

In the meantime, some who have returned an iMac more than once are receiving a 15% cash refund ($300 for a $2000 machine) for what Apple an Apple support rep called “tax and shipping” even though it's a flat 15% rate. It couldn't hurt to ask Apple if you're one of those having problems.