Review: Giant magnetoresistance, and spin-, charge-, and orbital-ordering are some of the properties displayed by manganates that make these materials of interest in magnetic recording, sensor, and actuator technology. New and significant results on the giant magnetoresistance found in films as well as polycrystalline and single-crystal samples of rare earth manganates are reviewed along with related aspects. The unique features of these systems and the as-yet unsolved problems are highlighted. Charge-ordering as opposed to spin-ordering is also discussed and suggestions for future directions are given.