Is the gradient mesh tool in Adobe Illustrator vector?

I read that the gradient mesh tool in Adobe Illustrator was *not really* vector without any explanation as to why. Is this a valid statement? How is it not vector?Is the gradient mesh tool in Adobe Illustrator vector?
gradient mesh tool,


http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/tutori…


... Mesh objects do not have normal Fill or Stroke attributes ...





so they use blended fill that can be enlarged the same way as straight color infinitely in proportion ,


..Is the gradient mesh tool in Adobe Illustrator vector?
On its own in a four colour or spot colour print environment a gradient mesh can be treated as vector. The real problems occur when combined with transparency effects or filters that require flattening or rasterising. It is in some digital print and web applications (Flash, for example) that things get tricky.





There are some really impressive vector illustrations here


http://basangpanaginip.blogspot.com/2006…