Apple is reportedly offering UK iMac owners full refunds plus 15 percent of the original purchase price for 27" iMacs suffering any of the maladies that have plagued the model since its release in October of 2009. According to an Apple Authorized shop speaking to Gizmodo, Apple has already completed the transaction with two of the shop's customers. Apple seems to be brokering the deals due to a shortage in parts needed to repair the units, as well as a repair backlog of over 200 machines.

The 27" iMacs have had problems from the get-go with some users reporting issues with discolored displays and others reporting flickering screens. Most recently, there were reports of an internal support document telling technicians to explain that slight screen variations are normal, but if the customer continued to complain, to say that the machine could be repaired in "approximately three weeks." If that wasn't enough, they were told to offer a refund, but not a replacement.

When Ars called an official Apple Store in the US to inquire about refunds, they were of little help and recommended we make an appointment with a "Genius" or call the AppleCare support number. Likewise, when we called two Apple Certified dealers, we received very similar responses. One tech did direct us to the recently released firmware update, but was unable to tell us anything regarding refunds or part lead times.

The reports are based on a small number of cases, but Gizmodo's source seemed quite confident that these were not isolated results. Nonetheless, we remain skeptical of Apple offering refunds—let alone refunds plus 15 percent—until more reports come in. That being said, if you are at your wit's end with your iMac, it can't hurt to ask. Maybe with the extra cash you can upgrade to a Mac Pro.