When Apple opened up its hardware to allow customers to install Windows using its proprietary Boot Camp software, it was a clear shot across the bow for those who felt the Mac would never grow market share. Not only could you dual boot your system at will, but you could do so free-of-charge (save for a license to Windows XP.)

Now, Apple looks to change that. In a recent report on MacScoop, users who do not upgrade to Mac OS X Leopard this spring may be charged $30 for the final version of Boot Camp. Sure, it’s not a big deal, since Leopard will include the functionality free. But, if you’re hard-pressed to take the leap and trust your current kitty to roar on, you’re out of luck once Boot Camp disappears from beta.

All in all, it looks like you’ll have to pony up $32 come spring: $30 for Boot Camp, and $2 for unlocking your AirPort card’s dormant 802.11n support to talk nicely with your draft-n spec wireless router. (The new AirPort Extreme is said to include the patch, free.)